The Times has never been afraid to call a spade a spade. On February 5 and 6, the newspaper excelled itself with no-holds-barred editorials on hunting and on illegal boathouses, two issues that have been a thorn in the public’s side.

The former is a disgrace, with spineless governments of both hues pandering to hunters and trappers to win a few votes. The irresponsible slaughter of protected birds continues unabated. The hunters’ and trappers’ association (FKNK) and its ilk shed crocodile tears, plead for no restrictions and claim they can ‘police’ their members. Yet, how many hunters/trappers have been reported or banned by the associations?

If they really condemn illegal hunting/trapping they should name and shame transgressors. Will they ever?

In the case of the boathouses (why not call them for what they really are, illegal and unsightly structures?), successive governments, both Nationalist and Labour, have condoned the usurpation of public land over the years and have even provided them with mains services.

The editorial rightly stated that successive governments have actively connived with the few hundred who have ‘stolen’ public land.

Alternattiva Demokratika has made its position clear on both issues and one should applaud them for their courage and honesty. The two main parties, on the other hand, remain silent in their manoeuvering for political power.

Can they not see the wood for the trees, that if they tackle the issues in their manifestoes the votes won from environmentalists will far outweigh the few hundred lost from the hunters/trappers and those who have stolen our land?