As the episcopal ordination of Mgr Paul Cremona approaches, some local voices, including those of Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi and the society that goes by the name Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl, have predictably invoked a hoary old chestnut. They called for an amnesty for prison inmates.

In this modern age of political correctness, it would perhaps be, at once, fair and proper if the state were to review the concept of leniency on selected auspicious occasions.

It would be far more equitable if the quality of mercy should first be shown to the victims of criminals. If the general intention is for the state to mark the occasion with a manifestation of goodwill, why doesn't it proceed to declare an additional public holiday?

Surely, the victims of criminality and law abiding citizens should have priority in such circumstances.

Isn't it high time for common sense, as well as equity, to be given due weight in the democratic Republic of Malta?

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