Come April 11, I will line up to vote against the hunting of game birds over the Maltese islands in spring. I hope, however, that the campaign to achieve this objective will be focused and factual.

‘Focused’ because the aim of the referendum is not to ban hunting altogether. I would no more vote against the regulated hunting of game birds in autumn than I would against fishing lampuki.

Nor is the aim to ban the killing of protected migratory birds that too often makes sad headlines. That is already a criminal offence at any time of year.

The focus of the case for a ‘No’ vote must be on permitting the spring passage of game birds to their northern breeding habitats.

‘Factual’ because it is important to be accurate in describing the migration paths of birds passing over our islands, in estimating numbers of birds killed as they attempt to pass and in explaining the regulation of spring hunting in other member states of the EU.

The proponents of a ban on spring hunting must not open their flanks to the counter-attack that they are propagating ‘myths’.

Finally, I hope that the organisers of the ‘No’ campaign will desist from importing counter-productive foreign lobbyists.

The referendum is a national challenge. The opinions that count are those of Maltese voters.

Let us turn out on April 11 to exercise our right to vote, surpass the 50 per cent minimum ballot and, hopefully, reach the right conclusion.