I refer to your leading article about Richard Cachia Caruana, TMID (31 May). I have known him for a very long time and I unreservedly endorse and support your account of his achievements and integrity in The Malta Independent. His contribution to Malta’s successful negotiations to join the European Union was pivotal and his work during the years of Dr Fenech Adami’s premierships did much to restore common sense, decency and professionalism to the Maltese public service and public life. It takes great courage, clear objectives, hard work and above all, realism and skill to promote and negotiate (successfully) for the furtherance of Malta’s interests in the councils of the powerful in Europe and elsewhere. He deserves well of Malta. As the saying goes, he doesn’t suffer fools gladly (why should he?) and we all know there is a superabundance of them around. The current and recent attacks on him amply illustrate the adage that in politics, while your opponents may be in front of you – which is right and proper – sadly, many of your most dangerous enemies are in fact behind you!

■ Roger Vella Bonavita

Perth

Western Australia