Several correspondents have expressed approval of Martin Scicluna’s articles. I’m one of his admirers. Not only do I read his articles but I actually keep them.

In his latest article, ‘A discordant swansong’ (April 2), Scicluna criticised George Abela for refusing to sign the Civil Unions Bill as he was obliged to do “without delay” according to the Constitution.

The precedent had been set by President Emeritus Eddie Fenech Adami who had publicly boasted that he would never sign a divorce Bill so long as he was President.

His sanctimoniousness was emulated by Abela when he refused to sign the Civil Unions Bill.

These two unprecedented incidents are graphic examples of Jean Jacques Rousseau’s observation in The Social Contract.

Rousseau declared that the Catholic Church claims to be above the State and is, thus a disruptive force, dividing the citizen’s - and the President’s - loyalty.

It seems that, from now on, whenever the President will be asked to sign a Bill he disapproves of, Malta will be held hostage to his personal prejudices and scruples.