It is not unknown for politicians to give up principles to serve their political purposes. But it is never a pleasant sight, as exemplified by the way the Prime Minister and Opposition leader have come together in a rare show of consensus over spring hunting.

Joseph Muscat may be able to get away with taking a stand in favour of spring hunting – even if it smacks of the pragmatism that has characterised his style of governance to date. But Simon Busuttil? It’s almost tempting to shout out loud: ‘Shame on you.’

While Dr Muscat has gone out of his way to appease the hunting lobby, Dr Busuttil argued that he had been at the forefront of negotiating the spring hunting exemption for Malta and so had to remain consistent.

Instead of acknowledging that the spring hunting concession is a seasonal headache which is wasting too many resources, they opted for the status quo. By doing so they may both be shooting themselves in the foot.

We oppose spring hunting because we believe in bird conservation. Hunting in spring is banned across Europe because it is the time when birds are migrating to breed. Bishop Charles Scicluna did well to reinforce this point when very strongly expressing himself against this barbaric ritual (our words, not his).

Along with other sections of the media, we have spoken out on the matter because it is an area politicians have lacked the courage to tackle.

Our opposition to the question being put in the referendum is not a blanket opposition to hunting – as some choose to paint it – but vehement opposition to hunting when certain conditions apply.

However, despite our clear stand, our readers will hear all the arguments. Each side will be given a voice in our media. But unlike some of them, we will present facts – not misinformation.

It is unfortunate that hunters’ organisations have already embarked on a scaremongering campaign, reminiscent of Labour’s anti-EU membership spiel 12 years ago.

This referendum will dictate whether hunting over a few days in spring should stop. It has nothing to do with abolishing hunting altogether.

Hunters should stop deceiving people by tapping into their patriotic sentiments and claiming this ‘national pastime’ is about to be shot down for good. Hunters and their acolytes should also stop trying to fool so-called minority groups into thinking that their pastimes are under threat. They are not.

There is a specific law permitting spring hunting and this referendum allows people to vote to have it removed. An abrogative referendum cannot be applied to hobbies like fireworks and fishing.

This has nothing to do with killing off minorities and everything to do with eliminating a practice riddled with cruelty and illegality.

Because of ridiculously poor regulation and enforcement, successive governments have allowed hunters to construct countless illegal structures in the countryside and take over the very few places where we encourage families and tourists to walk.

Now that the two main political leaders have declared their stand, and sadly hardcore supporters are likely to follow them, it is up to the anti-spring hunting coalition and the law-abiding public to make their voices heard.

While it is easier to sell fear than information, ultimately people need to realise the implications of a yes vote.

It would mean more birds being killed, fewer being born, less opportunity for law-abiding citizens to enjoy our precious little countryside, Malta’s reputation continuing to be tarnished abroad… and hunters in victorious and irrepressible mood, which is the last thing we need.

Thank you Joseph Muscat and Simon Busuttil. But, really, no thanks.