The linking up of our independent media to editorially promote the abolition of spring hunting and for the now mandatory referendum to be held at the appropriate time is unprecedented. Not as a theme, but as a movement. A newspaper's editorial is its heart. Many do not read newspapers; but many do. The media will now drum up the population to do what is right and civilised and vote out this terrible mal-practice (so-called hobby or otherwise). We would like to see the independent media have more of these "coalitions" in other areas, such as fireworks, for example. I do not mean to eliminate, but to seriously regulate and control.
It is a great pity the our political parties do not have the courage to come together and form a common policy and strategy on hunting. I believe there are few who would like to abolish hunting altogether all the year round. I am not one of them, but I would love to see the end of the macho style hunters among us (I mean who do they think they are?) - I know many law abiding hunters, whom I respect. If the political parties (and AD needs no persuading) come together and agree on the appropriate legislation, then the carpet will have been pulled out from under the hunter's feet ("jaqtghulhom saqajhom", more appropriately in Maltese). The unholy pacts before elections will be unnecessary and will be eliminated. There will be no purpose for threats as to votes. I would say "stay at home and don't vote at all, but we will not allow you to blackmail the vast majority of us". However, I realise that all this is probably a dream.
On to Karmenu Vella. His was a poor showing on Monday before the European Parliament. Not negative but poor, for the simple reason that, in the first place, he was not grilled; in fact I think he was just put on an ineffectual, low backburner. The questions were weak and bland. Secondly (and as a result of not being grilled), he was totally evasive and non-committal. There were a number of questions he did not answer, preferring to state that he required to look into this and that. So where's the preparation? In fact, totally unimpressive. But then I suppose his pleasant demeanour and his tranquillity complemented what seemed to be orchestrated questions and answers put to him in one of the Committee Rooms of the EP (not the Plenary Chamber). In his older age (mind you) he is likeable and approachable and must have scored points on this too. He also has a prestigious business background and a leading political track record in Malta. All in all I wish him well and I am sure he will deliver.
Simon Busuttil. There were a couple of articles in The Sunday Times of Malta this week, penned by the Falzons, Mark Anthony and Michael, which had the same keynote. The leader of the Nationalist Party has often been criticised for not being effective enough or not being a valid opponent to the versatile Prime Minister. Yet it is his own Party which is shackling him. Things have not really changed at the core since the massive electoral defeat of March 2013. Truly we have seen new faces and new brains behind, but where is the strategy and vision? And where is the opening up to the grass roots? I did not mention ideology, because there is no scope since both large political parties have converged in the centre spectrum of politics, give or take a little to the left or to the right. They both appease the hunters and trappers and they both appease the boathouse squatters, and God knows what else.
o what divides them? Opportunism and lack of principles. Read PL. This cannot, and should not, be matched by the PN. Simon Busuttil must look towards a principled way forward. Lose votes, stay in Opposition for ten, fifteen years, if necessary, but do not compromise a Party of principles, which have been upheld for over 130 years. Simon Busuttil should not even seek to appease those within his Party (or we will be back to Lawrence Gonzi appeasing his rebels). Why two deputy leaders? Why abstain on the Civil Union Bill? He must formulate his own policy and strategy and push it forward at all costs. Joseph Muscat has a total and full grasp of the PL. He is there to steer it at all times. He takes no nonsense and overrides all. How often do we see the Deputy Prime Minister and the Deputy PL leader at the helm, as we see the deputy leaders of the PN? It is time the PN and its leader changed tack drastically.