Your editorial (Unanswered questions, TMID, 18 April), highlighted the arrogance of the prime minister and of his favourite parliamentary secretary, Chris Said, who seems to be learning fast, in the way they treated journalists who attended the press conference to launch the local councils’ reform.

While Dr Gonzi shunned questions and retreated to his office soon after repeating what Dr Said had said earlier, the parliamentary secretary chose to spend time with the mayors before seeing the waiting journalists in his office.

Your journalist did well to simply leave Castille without going to Dr Said’s office. And all those other journalists who did so should be commended for their action. I am in no doubt as to which other journalists remained.

As you wrote, journalists have their role to play and if this government intends to make use of them only when it deems fit, then they have a right to protest and walk off.

I have another suggestion to make to you. Next time Dr Gonzi and Dr Said call a press conference, just do not send anyone. I am sure that they will only learn if you treat them with the same arrogance that they have treated you.

Or am I expecting too much?

Paul Micallef

Birkirkara