I heartily congratulate Lina Thake (September 14) and Susanne Attard Montalto (September 18) on their contributions regarding the Piano project. They have managed to express the thoughts and misgivings of a substantial part of the population.

One need just visit the electronic site of this newspaper to realise how disappointed the Maltese are with the whole plan. Those who have accepted it, have done so because they argued that it is better to do something to tidy up the shambles that the entrance to Valletta has become, rather than leave it in its present pitiable state. However, most people would much rather have the old city gate and opera house as they once were.

As regards the projected Parliament house, I agree with both ladies that it is completely out of place. If it is really necessary to have a new building, why not utilise the Main Guard, just opposite the President's Palace? If need be the Italian cultural centre can be moved elsewhere, and the two buildings annexed.

I believe that it is totally unacceptable to ruin the city's aspect by building modern structures. Have we not ruined enough of the beautiful towns and villages of our country? So many lovely houses and villas in Sliema, St Julians, Swieqi, Balzan and many other places have been demolished to build box-like structures which look like chicken batteries. Do we have to ruin our capital city as well?

I appeal to the Prime Minister and all parliamentarians to rethink the whole project. It is very unfair to go ahead and totally disregard the wishes of the people. After all, it is we, the people of Malta, who are going to finance the project. I also appeal to all those who have the interest of our country at heart to speak up before it is too late.