The “phallic” sculpture hit the headlines again this week after it was the target of a vandal attack. The Luqa council has called for its removal – but what does the public think? Annabel Hili took to the streets to find out.

Photos: Paul Spiteri Lucas

Lucia Micallef, 56, from Fgura
It should definitely be restored, why not? It’s no different from any other monument! The fact that people cannot look at a sculpture without making vulgar associations is a completely different issue altogether.

Joe Borg, 63, from Mosta
Well, I don’t really like the sculpture and its shape, but I appreciate that it is art. It shouldn’t have been vandalised.

Maria Cini, 26, from Luqa
Vandalism is wrong, whatever the target is. But with regard to the shape of the monument, I don’t really think it is appropriate to be displayed in public. I think now it’s been vandalised it should be removed and replaced with something a bit more suitable.

Joseph Darmanin, 79, from Attard
I don’t agree with vindictiveness. Monuments shouldn’t be vandalised – if people don’t like it, they should just avoid looking at it. Personally, I don’t like it but that doesn’t mean it should be removed.

Stefan Busuttil, 35, Attard
All vandalism is wrong. It’s true that this sculpture in particular is controversial but still, it’s not right that it was vandalised. However, in my personal opinion it should be removed. There are so many other things that would have made a more fitting monument... personally I find it a little senseless.

Lourdes Cachia, 51, from Tarxien
It should be restored. It definitely shouldn’t be left as it is. I don’t think it should be removed either, definitely not. It’s a work of art, so it should be restored back to its original condition.