Labour MEP candidate and gay rights activist Cyrus Engerer has justified his decision to gather more than 1,600 signatures in support of the petition launched by the hunters federation, saying that he is all out in favour of safeguarding minority rights.

The FKNK is calling for the safeguard of the legal interests, rights and privileges of minority group.

Contacted by timesofmalta.com, Mr Engerer brushed off criticism that he was running after votes, even though he admitted that he was not in favour of hunting. However he argued that Maltese hunters should enjoy the same rights as other European citizens, and so he decided to support them.

Asked whether he was pushing the issue too far by equating hunting with gay rights, the Labour candidate reiterated that he sole intention was to show solidarity with other minorities.

In a statement the FKNK said that said that in just over two months since the launch of the petition, thousands of signatures were collected from Maltese and Gozitans. It did not give a number.

The petition, the FKNK said, also enjoyed the support of various minority associations and groups within Maltese society, most of whose respective members also signed the petition.

The FKNK thanked Mr Engerer for his initiative and wished him success in the European Parliament elections.