Claire Bonello (The Sunday Times, February 15) probably does not remember anything of the situation in Malta 11 years ago. In 1998 we had a Labour Prime Minister, Alfred Sant, who, in parliament encountered a major obstacle in the shape of his former party leader, Dom Mintoff. Instead of wisely reversing, Dr Sant chose to drive fast forward. The result: he hit the obstacle and was defeated in Parliament by the erstwhile "saviour of the nation" who had now become a "traitor". Dr Sant was adamant.

Acting against the advice of senior Labour politicians, he called a general election and was defeated; he was defeated again in the European Union referendum and the two general elections which followed. Just because he was not wise enough to go into reverse gear! Lawrence Gonzi acted differently. He carefully avoided the obstacle of inconvenience and drove on. Ms Bonello is free to consider his decision as derisory. Intelligent people know it is a wise move by a good strategist.