In the face of disaster in terms of public image, one possible dignity- saving strategy involves creating some positive spin, typically through misdirection. Some ungrateful sod accuses you of corruption? Pull out a fast charity stunt out of your hat and (hopefully) Bob's your mother's brother. People would much rather focus on what makes them feel good, than on the harsher realities of life.

Unless you happen to be the Labour Party or, more specifically, Malta Environment and Planning Authority consultant Robert Musumeci, in which case the preferred modus operandi seems to be to invest in a bigger spade with which to dig your own grave.

I can't fathom at which point, before giving an interview to Illum, Mr Musumeci decided that it was a good idea to treat voters like imbeciles and simply lie with a straight face.

"Under Joseph Muscat, the environment has gone up to first division", Mr Musumeci said. Or words to that effect.

This is the equivalent of Capitan Schiettino, of Concordia fame, claiming that he set the standard for maritime navigation.

Since the labour government came to power, we have had a complete botch-up of what should have been a straightforward banning of spring hunting. An intentional botch-up, but a botch-up nonetheless.

We have had a nice chunk of virgin land in Marsaskala being given to foreign investors to build a university. Sorry, I meant an institute of higher learning. Or a five-star shopping mall, take your pick of what you would like to believe.

We have had contractors riding roughshod over ODZ land.

We have had suspicious permits being granted to suspicious individuals.

We have had the deadlines for a cleaner power station postponed and repostponed in another spectacular botch-up.

We have had ODZ land cheerfully raped while government concentrated on the restructuring of MEPA.

First division indeed. The only way the environment has gone up to first division is in the fast tracking of its own funeral.

Sure, the Nationalists were no angels themselves in terms of environment protection, but at least they had the common sense to control their PR, rather than making sweeping statements that will only serve to further antagonize disillusioned voters. Mr Musumeci's interview feels like a slap in the face for those who, like me, genuinely care.

I really have no idea who is advising the Labour Party in terms of PR, but you guys had better call in someone with a smidgeon of common sense to do the job and coach interviewees. As things stand, there soon won't be anything left to dig.