I try hard to abide by the time-honoured rule generally observed by journalists. The rule is that “Dog don’t eat dog.” This time, I couldn’t restrain myself.

In Thursday’s edition of The Malta Independent, columnist Daphne Caruana Galizia descended from her mountain top to tell the world that “The traditions and values that have inspired the people of Malta and Gozo are two fold: money and envy. I suggest we put those two on our flag and salute it.”

Unless this was a self-portrait – in which case I would not dare to challenge her opinion – this is an unacceptable and unfair assessment. It is an uncalled-for slur on thousands of upright fellow citizens who stand by their country and for their principles.

JG Vassallo

St Julian’s