Allow me to express my utter indignation if not downright anger at the double standards evidently manifested in my regard by the ushers of St John Co-Cathedral.

On 2 April, I was invited to attend the Stabat Mater concert that was to be held at the cathedral. I was still on the parvis when two ushers came up to me objecting to my entry, pointing out that my heels were not of the thickness permitted by the authorities of the cathedral.

Now my heels were a good 2cm x 2cm.

I protested that these were not stiletto heels and therefore harmless and would not cause damage to the floor of the cathedral, and this besides the fact that most of the floor was covered with a thick synthetic carpet. My protests proved futile as the ushers were adamant and completely ignored my genuine pleas. They even had the cheek to suggest that I remove my shoes and instead wear a pair of hideous fabric sleepers they benevolently provided for me. Of course, out of respect for the solemnity of the occasion, I could not but opt to return home.

However, before leaving, I asked them whether the following Saturday, on the occasion of the inauguration of the new President, they would apply the same measures if members of his family turned up in thin heels. They assured me that they would apply the same measures!!

Of course, on 4 April, as expected, this measure was obviously ignored; I personally went to check carefully and saw prominent wives of politicians including the wife and daughter of the new President wearing thin and even stiletto heels. Those two ushers, who had stopped me, although present, were not telling them not to enter. The usual classical case in this Mickey Mouse country that all animals are equal but some are more equal than others!

Louise Tabone

MOSTA