Amidst a debate about a controversial yacht marina project, a Labour Party general election candidate has suggested that a pedestrian and cycling bridge should be built across Marsascala Bay.

Architect Audrey Demicoli, who is contesting under the PL banner in the third district – which includes Marsascala, made the somewhat bizarre suggestion on her Facebook page, saying that the idea would mean that the project “truly has everyone in mind.”

Demicoli was reacting to a Transport Malta proposal for a yacht marina to be built across most of Marsascala Bay, a project which has garnered huge criticism from members of the public, environmental, and political spheres alike.

In her post, the candidate said that she had spoken to Marsascala residents about the proposal, and said that “it is our duty as politicians to listen to what the people are telling us and continue to ensure that people can swim in a safe environment.”

“We should also consider the possibility of a pedestrian and cycling bridge which crosses the bay so we can really keep everyone in mind.  This is because the Labour Party puts people first”, she said.

At no point did the candidate mention whether she is in favour or against the proposed yacht marina.

Her suggestion was greeted by ridicule in the comments section, with well-known cycling activist and ROTA President Michelle Attard Tonna amongst those disagreeing with her idea, and inviting the candidate to place the bridge between her ears and to not touch the sea.

“Stop using cyclists only when you want to justify this filth”, she said.

The plans for the marina were published by Transport Malta on Friday in a pre-qualification questionnaire for a concession to design, build, and operate the facility – a concession which The Malta Independent on Sunday revealed may be worth around €183 million.

They have been greeted by reactions of derision from many residents and environmental groups, who lambasted the project as needless and as one which will change the face of the whole locality to benefit the few and not the community.

The PN has said that Marsascala is no place for a marina, and even PL MP Jean Claude Micallef spoke out against the plans, and complained that he – as an MP representing the district – had no idea about the plans until they were exposed in the media.