Watching TV news on a Sunday evening, I was terrified to watch what was on the screen.

There were images of dignitaries celebrating the 50th anniversary of independence. But there were also pictures of a crowd of people in scruffy clothes marching down Republic Street, in Valletta. They chanted slogans which, according to press reports, were against the Labour Party and the Prime Minister in the wake of the closure of the hunting season.

Watching a bully carrying a weapon made me wonder whether Isis elements had reached Malta’s shores. Of course, they have not, at least for now. Perhaps it was not a real firearm but, tomorrow, it may well be. Frightening indeed.

I understand why the police remained onlookers. In my opinion, the whole thing was planned and the participants took advantage of the Independence festivities which meant the police were scattered across the island.

Many beautiful and protected birds were massacred, blown out of the skies, while migrating and the Prime Minister was correct to close the season.

Though, I must admit I found it rather strange he should do so when, a couple of weeks before, he had extended the hunting season.

Political parties do not need the votes of hunters and Armier ‘residents’. There is a silent majority who love all creatures that fly and a few who brandish firearms, fake or real.