From Mr R. Vella Bonavita

The current debate about moving Parliament from the palace is an opportunity for looking at the feasibility of locating it at St Elmo which is large and desperately in need of conservation and being put to an appropriate use. Access is good, as is parking, and security is assured. It is a superb, world-class site. This is an excellent opportunity to rehabilitate this neglected part of the city and to give parliament the facilities everyone agrees it requires.

Having followed the debate on the future of the old Opera House site in Valletta, I join those who object to Parliament being put there. There are far better uses for this prime location: uses that will benefit everyone. There is no obvious benefit to the public from locating Parliament right at the entrance to Valletta and the disadvantages are manifest.

Not least is the inconvenience to the public and the threat to public order and safety when demonstrators assemble to put pressure on or to express support for one or other of the parties in parliament.

Simultaneous rival demonstrations are especially dangerous. As we all know, controlling a politically motivated crowd, more than any other kind of public assembly, demands a large police presence and the highly visible paraphernalia associated with security. Any threat to Parliament, including in these uncertain days real or imagined threats from terrorists, will necessitate the complete or virtual shut down of the area. This will paralyse Valletta.

The mere rumour of such a threat will drive those who need to enter or leave the city to seek other routes – or stay away. Why prejudice the convenience, safety and livelihood of the many thousands who live, work and shop in the capital and also upset its social and cultural life?

The ideal use for the Opera House site is to locate a national cultural and state-of-the-art information centre there. This fits in perfectly with the Centre for Creativity at St James’s Cavalier and with the Renzo Piano redevelopment plan for Kingsgate.

Roger Vella Bonavita

WESTERN AUSTRALIA