Labour Party has no problem with MEP’s post at hunting federation

Labour MEP John Attard Montalto’s recent appointment to “life honorary president” of the hunters’ federation has not bothered the Labour Party.

“The PL does not have any objection to one of its elected representatives being honoured by an NGO,” a spokesman told The Times yesterday.

On Tuesday, the Federation For Hunting and Conservation announced that Dr Attard Montalto had been given this honorary post because he had always worked to safeguard hunting and trapping, particularly at EU level after being first elected to the European Parliament in 2004.

Dr Attard Montalto accepted the recognition and pledged he would dedicate himself for the benefit of Maltese hunters and trappers, prompting the question of whether this could create a conflict of interest.

The head of the PN’s MEP delegation Simon Busuttil said the appointment suggested that the position of the PL on hunting was exactly the same as that of FKNK.

“This should call for an explanation by the PL. But don’t hold your breath because this is just another example of how the Labour Party wants to be everything for everyone when in reality it stands for nothing and no one.”

Although it was “up to voters to judge the behaviour of MEPs”, he added that the appointment was “ironic” since when push came to shove in the European Parliament, the Labour MEPs, including Dr Attard Montalto, had abstained on a resolution condemning Malta on spring hunting.

Dr Attard Montalto has always been open about his pro-hunting stance and often asked parliamentary questions on the subject in the European Parliament.

The Times sent questions to Dr Attard Montalto and head of PL delegation Louis Grech but no replies were forthcoming.