All about controversial writers

In response to Charles Micallef's comments (July 14) I would like to make the following points as a one-time response.

Mr Micallef served as staff member in the department I ran as director for more than five years. Having decided to promote aerobics and physical activity, he perceives as threatening all others working in related areas. A case in point are his negative comments posted online in reaction to the commendations the editor of The Times made in relation to the recently-formed voluntary organisation - Mehfa (Malta Exercise Health and Fitness Association).

Mr Micallef took offence since I am the PRO of Mehfa and specifically informed me in a text message that his July 7 letter in The Times regarding shooting opportunities for 14-year-olds was in retaliation for my helping out Mehfa!

Mr Micallef knows well enough that the recent change in age limit (from 16 to 14 years) for young participants in target shooting was applicable only to air guns and shotguns for trap and skeet shooting. However, he evidently thought he could stir a hornets' nest among the anti-gun lobby and have them up in arms against the government's positive view of target shooting.

The only salient point in Mr Micallef's correspondence is that, at least, he admits to be a controversial writer! He takes pride in that "seldom does anyone dare reply" to his letters. How balanced and logical his arguments are up to readers to judge.