Unsolicited mail

My letterbox had the privilege of receiving two letters on envelopes marked Government of Malta on its left side and to the right a stamp stating: "Valletta Malta 8c officially paid" House of Representatives.

The House of Representatives stamp appears again on the bottom left corner.

Opening such I was regaled with a flyer from "it-tabib Michael Farrugia 15-il sena jirrapprezentakom fil-Parlament". This included an invitation at a charge for a reception by "il-hbieb tat-tabib".

Since I neither share Dr Farrugia's political views, nor have ever approached the man, I presume that similar letters were sent to most of his constituents' families i.e. approximately 15,000 to 20,000 mailshots. Taking 8c postage plus 1c for the envelope, i.e. 9c, and multiplying that by 20,000, results in Lm1,800.

As a citizen I ask how such a presumed expense was paid. Is this taxpayers' money? If the answer is yes, I expect the government and particularly Mr Speaker to stamp out what I judge an abuse.

Also I challenge the credibility of the Labour Party which claims that they will act responsibly once in government. Based on such incidents, I cannot stomach such a claim.