From Ms C. Vella

I am pleased to have provided Marie Benôit with some amusement, though it seems to have been for the wrong reasons, as she appears to have taken my comment literally rather than figuratively. However, your columnist’s mention of my name in her column was uncalled for and professionally unacceptable (TMIS, Gallarija 25 May). I really must ask your paper to refrain from mentioning my name, other than on your letters pages, given that I am not a public figure or a newsmaker. Anyone who wishes to read Daphne’s blog already does so and is able to read my comments there, just as they are able to read everyone else’s – including Marie Benôit’s if she wishes to provide them. I make my comments on that blog, as I do elsewhere, in my capacity as a private citizen.

Mrs Benôit does not know me from Adam, yet she presumes to know what I need. It is ironic that she criticises me as paranoid when she clearly is so herself, given her reaction to any negative observation about her favourite politician. I am touched by her concern for my well being and her recommendation that I should take time out, but it clearly shows that not only does she not know me; she does not even know where I am.

Her gratuitous mention of my name is clearly motivated by a need to take a dig at my sister. Why else would she dig out my comment from among the many thousands the blog receives simply because it is mine? As Mrs Benôit knows, Daphne’s blog is extremely successful and so needs none of the sort of publicity that Mrs Benoit’s remarks are bound to generate.

It is unpleasant to have to say this, but Mrs Benôit’s mention of my name appears to be motivated by a bad case of sour grapes. No amount of backhanded compliments about my appearance can undermine that fact.

Corinne Vella

EGYPT