From Mr V. Laiviera

I have to admit to feelings of surprise and, yes, amusement on reading Jurgen Cassar’s reply to my letter of the week before (“Media manipulation”, TMIS, 25 November).

Surprised, because I hardly expected such a turgid rant in reply to my short letter, which wasn’t even about Mr Cassar at all, but about the Bondiplus programme which discussed the budget-related Labour proposals. I merely used Mr Cassar’s letter as a stepping-stone. On reflection, this is probably what made him lose his cool. I promise to give him more importance next time I write.

I was also rather amused that Mr Cassar took the trouble to assure us that he “never in his life had any connections or contacts with people involved in the organisation or participation of any black mass or similar activities...” and that I tried to “slander him by associating his activities with those who organise black masses”.

Of course, as anyone who can both read and comprehend English would have understood, I did no such thing. I merely made a satirical, tongue-in-cheek suggestion that, as Lou Bondi no doubt preserved a copy of his famous opus magnum, and Mr Cassar has shown a knack for posting on YouTube, they should get together and post that little gem of investigative journalism for the delectation of the citizens of the world.

So I regret to inform Mr Cassar that I cannot “retract my allegations” since I did not make any.

Mr Cassar can “seek legal advice” to his heart’s content. However, should his lawyer advise him to sue, he had better have his chequebook handy, as, due to the so-called reforms actuated by this government, it will cost him around Lm200 (Ok, Ok – EUR465.87) just to file the case.

Victor Laiviera

NAXXAR