Malta's Ambassador to Ireland, Richard Muscat, tendered his resignation from the post after being subjected to media pressure in Ireland over an alleged sexual assault by his 35-year-old son. It was a sensational news item and it came as no surprise that the story was splashed on all local newspapers and made it to the headlines.

Newspapers such as this one reported the facts faithfully, but Labour begged to differ showing no scruples in twisting the facts and couldn't care less that the situation is of a sensitive human nature. His father, I imagine with a heavy heart as all parents do, made it known to all and sundry that the alleged offender, his son, is a 35-year-old man who suffers from mental health problems as confirmed by his psychiatrist.

Ambassador Muscat, although having absolutely no control over his son's actions just like any other parent, felt that his job had become untenable and that such serious allegations would taint Malta's image in Ireland. So he chose the honourable way out, and though his son is innocent until proved guilty, he submitted his resignation from the post.

The father shouldered responsibility for an action allegedly committed by his son.

The Maltese government, which became aware of the alleged sexual assault through the media, immediately waived the immunity clause bestowed upon diplomats by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations so as to let justice take its course and accepted Mr Muscat's resignation.

Other segments of the media reported that Mr Muscat knew of this alleged assault and kept it under wraps for 10 months. Perhaps it was here were Mr Muscat erred. Common sense tells you that Mr Muscat should have informed the Maltese authorities of the matter before accepting to be re-appointed as ambassador, although the paternal instinct of protecting his son could have taken the better of him.

Had Labour criticised Mr Muscat solely on this matter it would have been understandable. But, no, the Labour Party blew the issue out of proportion spinning the whole story in such a way that it became nothing more than a disgusting attempt of twisting facts and throwing mud. They simply wanted to create doubts and confuse people, the ultimate aim being to try and tarnish the Gonzi Administration, namely the Prime Minister himself and Foreign Affairs Minister Michael Frendo.

Whether the alleged assault holds water or not, Mr Muscat and his family must surely be going through hell. Certainly the alleged victim too must have been going through hell if the assault did actually take place, as do all victims of sexual abuse. If the alleged assault is true then I sincerely hope that justice is done with both victim and aggressor.

Faced with such a human situation, fully aware of the ambassador's son condition, one would have expected the Labour Party to be sensitive and not twist facts, create doubts and try to take political advantage.

It is true that the general election is fast approaching and politicians will try their best to spin anything they deem will get the electorate on their side, but this was one instance where political correctness, compassion and solidarity were brushed off and replaced with political opportunism.

However, Labour did not stop there and instead of showing compassion with Mr Muscat in such a trying moment, they deemed it opportune to remind us of his days at the Voice of the Mediterranean and the allegations (never proved) against Mr Muscat as head of that station. The Labour Party had then asked for Mr Muscat's head and there was absolutely nothing wrong in that. This is expected in democratic countries where oppositions have an important role. Yet, bringing up these allegations again when the Muscat family is going through such a rough patch, and repeating them ad nauseam in each and every news bulletin, is unacceptable and shows that human compassion and solidarity have been thrown to the dogs. God knows what the Muscat family must be going through at the moment. Labour's handling of the situation must have made matters worse.

People are disgusted with such shameful behaviour. Alfred Sant and his party have crossed the line big time.