Spotting the right time to stop digging

Fair planning processes have surely not been prejudiced by public outrage over the proposed St John's Co-Cathedral project. (Robert Musumeci's Talking Point - February 18). It is not a negative precedent for "public undertakings" to be turned down as a result of "public opinion" but a very positive step towards a better form of democracy.

Far from being saddened, both Richard Cachia Caruana and Mr Musumeci should be pleased that the most efficient and incisive form of environment impact assessment has had effect without additional cost to the nation. To proceed with planning processes in spite of public outrage (which is precisely what he appears to advocate) cannot possibly be conceived of as a public undertaking at all. He had better think twice before he uses such a self-contradicting term again.

The Maltese people are at last finding their feet and voice and this is to be encouraged. So cheer up both of you and remember a most apposite phrase: "When you are in a hole, stop digging".