Don’t consult EU over hunting limit – FKNK

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Mar 8th, 11:04

Daniela Spiteri, I quoted you verbatim and you cannot just coward out of it. Actually, your 2nd comments appears to contradict your first! That is your consistency! Meanwhile, I accept your apology. In future do try to be more precise and then stick to what you write!!

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Mar 8th, 11:03

Tony Gatt, I assure you I do NOT hate birds BUT I respect my co-citizens, even if these are hunters! So please refrain from writing comments just for the sake of commenting!

Simon Vella

Mar 7th, 18:50

I was really determined not to vote for PN this time, either abstain or vote AD. On reading this shameful statement have no other option except to vote against this measure. This is an insult to the Maltese people and they are actually boasting that first they break the law and then they see. Isa how nice Lino, dazgur mhux il ftit kaccaturi imma l- Maltin kollha jkollom ihallsu ta' ghemilkom!!!!!!

Francis Formosa

Mar 7th, 17:55

Malta is in the E.U.. Your situation is understandable, however the government (who ever) like it or not has abide himself with their laws. The fault is of those who worked so hard to enter Malta to in the E.U. without better research into the consideration. The labour was honest enough to inform those concerned that he was doing his best but the influence of the E.U. could not be ignored.

Michael Seychell

Mar 7th, 16:23

It is evident that those who want to enjoy the countryside in spring will loose all this the if Labour is elected, since hunters will not be limited by any time limit to enjoy their 'hobby'!.

E. Azzopardi

Mar 7th, 16:15

Good, do not consult the EU. Any fines will be paid by FKNK. Good prospects hey!!!!

It is not Labour that has to consider but eh EC.

The majority are disgusted at all this but I firmly believe the EU will have to act sooner rather than later.

LOUIS JOSEPH BORG

Mar 7th, 15:38

once again i start to wonder if the FKNK are for real!
do not consult with the ecc!
well first of all we are in the ecc for ever and we have to obey there rules and shall not forget that the birds that are killed in malta are not the property of fknk.
also the PN dealt a blow to your hobby!
well the PN not just respected life itself but but the 96 per cent of maltese that want to see birds alive!

C Mallia

Mar 7th, 15:05

FKNK general secretary Lino Farrugia said if the EU issued any infringements “we will see how to tackle them later”.

Very responsable Mr Farrugia - As a normal tax payer I demand that any infringement fines be paid only by the hunters and not Malta and a complete ban on spring hunting and trapping once this happens

Mr Roderick Cutajar

Mar 7th, 14:39

Labour beware, FKNK is not who you should be dealing with.

John Cauchi

Mar 7th, 14:18

thanks to the controlled hunting in the last years, we started to appreciate some birds out at sea and in counrtyside.....

Mr Malcolm Borg

Mar 7th, 14:02

What does the FKNK think about the following: Malta should not consult the EU on bag limits but the Federation should pay any fines Malta would incur should it be found guilty if further legal action is taken.

J Martinelli

Mar 7th, 13:30

If the FKNK - PL agreement includes a promise that a PL government increases the Spring bird limit, then it is one more clear sign that the PL intends to take Malta out of the EU.
FKNK should remember that the odds are so great against this happening, any energy spent striving for more than what they already have, was sheer madness.
FKNK will be voting for unachievable aims, whatever Joey says.

Zak Bennetti

Mar 7th, 13:24

"the removal of time restrictions on when to hunt during the open season and the removal of an identification band to be worn by hunters during the practice of their pastime." Well i'm sorry but i want to enjoy my pass times and go outside in the countryside knowing full well that while i'm there i can recognize who may be carrying a fire arm as well as the times that they're allowed to do this.

Mr Daniel Jones

Mar 7th, 12:58

MMB - "Our hobby - which means everything to us"

There you have it. Shooting some birds is more important to them than their families, the environment, the rest of society, Malta and certainly the MLP the second it makes a legal notice they don't like.

Well done Joseph. Fine bedfellows indeed.

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Mar 7th, 11:51

Contd.

Should you still insist on tarnishing my reputation, I am afraid you will have to fact the music! I expect you to either confirm it or apologise. If none of this is forthcoming, I will consider you to be a coward!

Patrick Zammit, just wait and see how a true MALTESE Govt. will protect ALL its citizens!

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Mar 7th, 11:49

Contd.
Daniela Spiteri, things WILL change if PL is elected to Govt because they will ensure that the Maltese hunters and trappers are treated EQUAL to their EU counterparts. Finally, do be responsible for what you write, namely "according to you what is right means "do whatever they like". Far from what you state, I have invariably defended LAW-ABIDING hunters!
Contd.

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Mar 7th, 11:46

Daniela Spiteri, you just cannot get it right! You appear to be in a frenzy which is precluding you from reasoning in a right manner. What Mr Farrugia meant was that in order to apply a derogation, there is no need to consult with the EU. The Times may have mislead you with this inappropriate heading, I must say! PL never stated that they will break EU Rules, so what is your problem?

Contd.

Gustav Svensson

Mar 7th, 11:35

Joseph & the hunters... I'm sure that thogether they will burst the real estate bubble and then shit will hit the fan:).. sure it will bring a lot change...

A Trapani

Mar 7th, 11:32

"During a visit to Malta in September, EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik made it clear that hunters should not raise their hopes for better conditions on their spring hunting season as the quotas set by the Government had already reached their “upper limit” " .... another gimmick, here too, Labour is playing with these people's minds to win their votes

John Portelli

Mar 7th, 11:28

"A future Labour government should increase the spring hunting bird limit without consulting Brussels, the hunters’ federation claimed yesterday."

Nahseb gejja Malta ta' "min jghamel li jrid", flok "Taghna Lkoll" !!!! X'arroganza ta' nies !!!

A Zammit

Mar 7th, 11:27

If the PN is in government, an abrogative referendum should be held.

T Mifsud

Mar 7th, 11:07

"a blow to our hobby – which means everything for us – and Labour will give it back to us"

What a disgrace to have FKNK (who's leadership was summoned to court over defending illegalities in Gozo) partner with Labour to CHANGE THE EU GOALPOSTS to accommodate their bird killing hobby!

Paul Camilleri

Mar 7th, 10:52

Instead of banning hunting they will be given more rights!!!! xejn sew.

Daniela Spiteri

Mar 7th, 10:50

LE ghall-kacca! Kellu bzonn jaghmlu referendum ha naraw kemm jibqa' jitkellem Lino Farrugia? X'jigifieri jghid li ghandhom jaghmlu li jridu? Iktar tikkonvinci nies kemm l-ghaqda taghkom hija mimlija b'nies li minghalihom ha jaghmlu li jridu bil-ligijiet! Iktar tikkonvinci nies ma jivvutawx lill-PL. iktar tikkonvinci nies li jaghrfu kemm intom nies egoisti! nerga' nghid: LE, LE, LE ghall-kacca!

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Mar 7th, 10:47

I just cannot comprehend why all this fuss when PL is promising hunters what is RIGHTFULLY and LEGALLY theirs, no more and no less!! BLM are used to pulling the present government by the nose! These days will hopefully soon be over.

Mark Cassar

Mar 7th, 10:43

if the EU issued any infringements “we will see how to tackle them later”...just to show that "who cares", "we do whatever we like"..
as regards Mark Mifsud Bonnici:
"labour will give it back to us"...as if Labour will change any of the rules in place from the EU...YOU WISH!
Let us hope that these bullies do not ruin Malta's reputiation with the world!

Mark Cassar

Mar 7th, 10:40

Do FKNK and Kaccaturi San Ubertu know at least slightly what they are saying? They have shown, through these statements, that they just don't care about anything! They just want to carry on with their macabre hobby, even ILLEGALY, shoot at whatever pleases them, and throw down the drain any RULES present! Who do you think you are? You are not superior, just a bunch of wannabe-eco-killers!

Tony Agius

Mar 7th, 10:33

It seems that "Malta Taghna Lkoll" has changed to "Malta tal-Kaccaturi".
I was going to vote Labour on Saturday, but after this arrogant sham by Muscat PL I will definitely be voting for AD to end hunting for good.

Anthony Fenech

Mar 7th, 10:29

k`Kif jghid il qawl"mit tagen al gon nar".Milli qed naqra il kaccaturi u in nassaba qed jiqu minsuba jghatu vot lil lejber u mu se jiehdu xejn anzi.Laqwa il vot .IZ ZMIEN ITIKHOM PARIR IMMA SE JKUN TARD WISQ.ATTENTI.

Chris Xuereb

Mar 7th, 10:19

‘PN dealt blow to our hobby’ ........If you call that a blow then let's pray Malta gets fined big time under labour for prostituting itself with such sorts.

Jay Oatmon

Mar 7th, 10:05

These 'stuck in the past' attitudes, and the total rejection of the will of the vast majority of the people by the main party politicians are a dead end for Malta's reputation in the EU.

Soon Malta will just have to comply with the EU rules, or we the public will have to pay the fines the FKNK bring down on us.

Malta needs to move forward to the future and not try to cling to the past.

Kieron O'connor

Mar 7th, 09:56

Reminds me of a great add on tv at the moment where the catch phrase is "Dont tell Mom" !

Emanuel Curmi

Mar 7th, 09:45

I think it's what one calls exchanging turtle doves for votes. If anyone wants to gauge the state of maturity in our politics, this one will surely take the lolly.

Peter Bonello

Mar 7th, 09:42

The fknk are demanding the impossible or rather the illegal... we are part of the eu, like it or not so the government has no choice but to consider eu laws. also most of the electorate is fed up with hunters taking over public land! What you are requesting will only lead to fines imposed on Malta from the EU - are you members ready to pay for them when they come or will the tax payers have to pay

Francis Cuschieri

Mar 7th, 09:38

Typical Labour. They will do anything to attract votes. Everything is done in secret. They just cannot be trusted. Hope to the hunters and poor birds and wildlife. If only the birds could vote!!!! Hunters are only interested in their egoistic passtime. They are not interested in the policies of the Labour, just their hobby.

Mr Tony Gatt

Mar 7th, 09:33

It's come to a pretty pass when a political party has to sign a pact with a pressure group just to try and get into power. Talk about the tail wagging the dog!

Patrick Zammit

Mar 7th, 09:28

If JM wants the hunting/trapping community to have equal rights as their EU counterparts, he should:

1) remove the illegal and ramshackle trapping hides that litter the countryside
2) provide for illegalities to be properly punished by courts. Courts have been extremely lenient even when video evidence/confessions were presented.
3) provide for effective law enforcement

Patrick Zammit

Mar 7th, 09:03

(1)The govt relies on figures submitted by hunters themselves showing the number of birds they have slaughtered during the autumn/winter season. Nobody checks these figures and they are accepted by the govt at face value.

These low figures are and have been used to argue that since very few birds are taken in autumn/winter, then a spring derogation is justified.

Patrick Zammit

Mar 7th, 09:02

(2) The govt does not accept income figures submitted by employees when it deducts income tax. It relies on figures submitted by the respective departments.

The derogation system is open to abuse and politicians know it. JM is promising to be more generous with the hunting/trapping community. He is either naive or manipulative and thus cannot be trusted.

Mr l Azzopardi

Mar 7th, 08:57

I will vote AD to make Hunting history!

Mr l Azzopardi

Mar 7th, 08:54

FKNK general secretary Lino Farrugia said if the EU issued any infringements “we will see how to tackle them later”.

Dik viżjoni eh!

Jay Oatmon

Mar 7th, 08:44

I just don't see the point of killing little birds - shoot targets or clays.

David Caruana

Mar 7th, 08:25

I wouldn't worry too much. Let the hunters (not the poachers) practice their hobby. As Lino Farrugie said, if the country is fined “we will see how to tackle them later”.

And tackle them we will. If the Maltese taxpayers are fined for someone else's hobby, I'm sure 30,000 (10% of electorate) would sign a petition for an abbrogative referendum in regards to spring hunting.

C Cassar

Mar 7th, 07:55

Hunting in places such as Malta where it is totally unsustainable can be compared to outdated habits such as chewing tobacco or smoking.

10 years ago the majority were laughing at the idea of smoking bans in Malta. Look what happened and what we have now.

A complete hunting ban will come I am sure of that. Many will laugh now but it will happen.

Patrick Zammit

Mar 7th, 07:50

JM, for a few more votes from a community which is mainly PL leaning, cannot now be trusted by those who have the environment/biodiversity at heart.

From the 3 parties contesting, he is now the worst choice.

He knows just as well as LG does, that spring derogations are based on figures submitted by hunters themselves, without any checks being done by anybody.

Godfrey Pisani

Mar 7th, 07:31

BLM priority is scaremongering and illegalities to happen . It seems to prosper . We know that if there is total enforcement to deter wildlife crime that happen in all the countries around Europe . Things would change . But for these last years objective had been to abolish hunting BLM has this on the agenda as do people in this gov . Common sense and dedication were never used with us.

Godfrey Pisani

Mar 7th, 07:25

You are totally wrong - the national bag has got to be agreed with the eu - Lino never said otherwise - dr Saliba you are misinformed and don't get into once you don't know the technicalities - what Fknk is saying is totally with the eu framework of the bird directive - you might not like to hear this but these are fact - now if you want to turn it political pls do so I can send you many letters

Joseph Zammit

Mar 7th, 07:02

Great news! Maybe its time to buy a shotgun so if we loose from our jobs and economy we will find a hobby to fill replace our working time with hunting. What a mentality.. Hunting is all for a few people - jobs, health and education have no value! This is another move to make me vote PN once again

Francis Saliba M.D.

Mar 7th, 06:32

Would the FKNK itself be replacing out of its own pocket the 1.2 billion euros that Malta stands to forfeit if the Labour Party takes its advice and "stop consulting the European Union over the hunting limits"? I think not.

The FKNK has got its priorities all wrong and so will the Labour Party if it follows the advice of its bird-slaughtering partner.

J Borg

Mar 7th, 06:20

Imagine how humiliating it would be for the commission to not only be proved wrong, in the sense that malta has a right to derogate, but also to be proved wrong on the game bag.

the commission is opposing merely to save face for having been misinformed by BLM & trying not to expose how gullible they were.

tiny malta proved them wrong on the principle & will prove them wrong on the quotas

J Borg

Mar 7th, 06:17

part 1

Of course the commission is not 2b consulted. All that PL has 2 do is engage independent legal & environmental technical experts & ask them if FKNK's demands r in breach of EU legislation, & if not they just go ahead.

d commission would obviously say no 2 anything...after all they dragged us into a court case in which they said that spring hunting is not possible.

J Borg

Mar 7th, 06:13

1st we had people saying that spring hunting is outlawed in the EU. Now we have 'A few other countries also apply limited derogations in spring but on different species and much fewer in numbers.'

what 'much fewer numbers'? The UK for one have no limits imposed on the hunting of woodpigeon and other species that they hunt 365 days a year.

other countries have much much larger game bags.

Rupert Grech

Mar 7th, 00:43

The killing of this number of birds every year is truely depressing. It is so sad that people need to satisfy their blood lust in this way and that political parties seem to be collaborating with them for votes. We can only hope that in time, and education of the young, that one day shooting live birds will be a thing of the past and people will find more positive pastimes than killing things.

A. Mizzi

Mar 6th, 23:52

In a nutshell:

Increasing the spring hunting bird limit without consulting Brussels is FKNK's pipe dream!

Birdlife said that, while the PL/hunters’ agreement states that any changes will be made “in conformity” with the European framework, and commits to law enforcement!


Labour government will “correctly implement a derogation” on spring hunting which respects the decision of the E

Victor Borg

Mar 6th, 23:20

Let's be clear-sighted: PL noticed that the gap between the parties is narrowing, and made a vague agreement with bird-shooters to win their votes. But, if elected, there will only be cosmetic changes because Malta has already bent the EU directive to the limit, and the EU won't countenance any more loosening. Whatever else the shooters say is fantasy, and PL has shown itself to be opportunistic.

Ivan Scicluna

Mar 6th, 23:03

What a sad culture!! I can't believe the PRIMARY reason for people voting for a party and not for another is being able to shoot more birds!

Joe Grech

Mar 6th, 22:36

The PN under Lawrence Gonzi and Simon Busuttil has been Brussels's obliging servant in another important issue - illegal immigration.
They just did what Brussels requested them to do...never mind Malta's own interests!
Who on earth can take them seriously after acting this way?
Simon Busuttil ended up a fool when his 'Solidarity and Burden Sharing' were flatly refused by most EU countries.

Tony Agius

Mar 6th, 22:20

Reading such arrogant statements I am more convinced in voting for AD on Saturday since they are the only party to promise to end all Spring hunting if any of their members are elected. All bird lovers and environmentalists should do the same on Saturday if they don't want hunters and greedy land grabbers to have it their way under either of the two big parties.

Herbert Falzon

Mar 6th, 21:03

“we will see how to tackle them later”. Now that's what I call a solid plan.

C Cassar

Mar 6th, 20:33

The EU is funding Malta's infrastructure, environmental and certain business developments. The least a Maltese government can do is listen to and implement it's regulations and recommendations. FKNK are now showing their true colours which are self-centred and against what the majority of Maltese citizens wish to see.

This news will be a blow to PL voting .

Gustav Svensson

Mar 6th, 20:22

I'm happy I'm not related to a bird killer. I LP wins I'll become a member with Birdlife.

Ray Buhagiar

Mar 6th, 20:21

Tal-biki