Nationalist Party leader Simon Busuttil said this afternoon he will be voting in favour of spring hunting.
“I am not a hunter and I love animals and the environment but I personally worked for and defended the derogation for limited and sustainable hunting in spring both within my party and in the EU and I have to be consistent,” he said.
Addressing a news conference at the PN headquarters, Dr Busuttil said this was all about honest politics, he had given his word and it was important not to go back on it. Unlike Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, who had initially been against EU membership, he had always been consistent, he said.
The difference between him and Dr Muscat, he said, was that while he was balanced, Dr Muscat was an extremist. Dr Busuttil said he believed it was important to strike a compromise meeting the interests of both hunters and environmentalists.
Dr Busuttil said that in spite of his position, party MPs could speak freely about the matter and vote according to their conscience and the party would be giving space to both sides of the debate.
However, it would not be campaigning and he hoped Labour would stick to its word and do the same.
The PN leader insisted that he was not trying to influence the matter but said the people had the right to know how their party leader would be voting.
However, they were free to exercise their vote any way they wished and in line with their conscience.
He encouraged everyone to exercise their right to vote and said he felt this right should also be given to 16-year-olds.
Dr Busuttil promised to respect the people's decision whatever it will be, now and when the Nationalist Party was back in office.
He warned that people who abused would not find the party’s support and a win for the hunters would not mean that enforcement would stop.
PL STATEMENT
In a statement, the Labour Party said Dr Busuttil was only confirming his weakness and could not be taken seriously when he said he was one of those who fought for the derogation but then took a week to decide how he should vote.