As a MEP candidate in the forthcoming EU 2009 6 June elections, it is my duty as a candidate to voice the preoccupation of many of my fellow citizens about the uncontrollable flow of irregular immigrants into my country where the impression is being absorbed that illegality is reigning supreme in this sphere of restless occupancy by these invaders, as it is no more than that.

Let us stop being afraid that any comments we might make be interpreted as being racist or xenophobic – everyone is entitled to make his opinion and feelings known. Malta is going through hard times, which the avaricious fat cats among us might not be bothered about. The country appears unable to afford the luxury of these particular residents who are only getting and receiving while it seems that basically what we obtain in return are insults to our country and threats to our Security Forces, indirectly a threat to our people as well. The rules of hospitality demand otherwise.

The minority government (because that is what it is) clearly cannot govern under this constant apprehension. We the people demand an explanation as to whether or not there is a contingency plan, as well as whether we have reached saturation point of unaffordability that call for a State of Emergency to be declared as some have suggested and called for.

The EU’s Third Pillar structure prevents Malta from doing what it likes: what is a fact is that since we have joined the EU, and more so now that we have adopted the Schengen Agreement, this invasion has become a daily occurrence and our Prime Minister does not make one single public statement to illustrate to us what plans are being concocted to control the situation – are there any plans?

We need a Ministry dedicated only to internal matters, as our security has now become a major issue and MEP candidates cannot but express their views and position on this dangerous situation. This is not to cause alarm, but for the government to know that we are expecting the Prime Minister to take this matter personally in hand and address the nation about it.

It may not be feasible at this stage that Malta bows out of the EU, but if Germany, Britain, France, Spain, Italy, Poland, Czech Republic, Ireland (Eire), Denmark to mention but nine out of the 27, have held their own on particular issues that are of national importance to them, then Malta must make its position equally and forcefully clear to the Union through the Commission and the Council of Ministers, as well as when the Council of Heads of State is convened.

The impression being given is that more care is being deployed as to who gets that lucrative job or otherwise within the hierarchical EU structure, than serious efforts being made by our elected representatives to seek and find a solution to this dramatically alarming and provocative situation. The PN’s retort to the PL’s Leader emphasised this impression, if anything needed to be further illustrated.

Let us be aware of what is happening, and if nothing is happening, then a general election must be called for 6 June as well: Malta’s future as we have lived it is at stake.

Emmy Bezzina

VALLETTA