Hunters' ultimatum - February 13, 2007

Quite frankly, whenever a person or an organisation gives an ultimatum, it has either lost an argument or has its back against the wall and is beyond any discussion or reason. It is a last resort and, like a spoilt child having a tantrum, the only result of it is: you either satisfy the need completely or else...

It is actually this "or else..." from which stem the threats. From parents of misbehaving children to governments who want to keep law and order, this "or else" does not augur well for a civilised and democratic society.

An ultimatum is usually a politically correct way of issuing a threat. The FKNK is just short of issuing an official threat, with its latest stance in dishing out ultimatums as soon as matters don't go its way. To make the situation even worse, this ultimatum comes fresh in the light of violent and threatening postings made on the FKNK website through its forum.

The federation's secretary, Lino Farrugia has been quoted as saying that "the FKNK is prepared to do anything possible 'to safeguard the socio-cultural tradition' of hunting and trapping in Malta" and "whenever we want, we are prepared to show Castille what a protest is". This is incitement.

By hook or by crook the FKNK are bent on getting their way, even if it means being undemocratic and breaking EU law, at Malta's expense. Like spoilt children, some people are just too used to doing what they want.