Maltese hunters should be treated as hunters in other EU states – Muscat

Labour Leader Joseph Muscat insisted that the agreement that was signed between Labour and the Hunting and Trapping Federation (FKNK) represents a "clear position" whereby Labour will ensure that local hunters and trappers will be treated like their counterparts in other EU member states.

Muscat was speaking during a mass meeting held in Xaghra, Gozo, on Monday evening, where he delivered a brief 45 minute-long address.

Facing a crowd decked out with white and red flags sporting either the Maltese flag, the Labour emblem, or a medley of both, the Labour leader insisted however that the PL-FKNK agreement does not mean that Labour is trying to con the lobby on the eve of the election in a vote-catching exercise.

"We will not be sending any letters before the election to take anyone for a ride," Muscat said, in a jab at the Nationalist Party's overtures to the hunting and trapping lobby on the eve of past elections.

So much so, Muscat said, that Labour's position is such that the agreement itself will not be unanimously welcomed by hunters and trappers, given the realistic and unavoidable starting point it departs from.

"We are saying that we are EU members, and EU regulations cannot be touched. Anyone who says otherwise is trying to deceive you," Muscat said. "But even within EU regulations, there is room for one to maneuver," Muscat added.

"Our aim is not to reopen Malta's package on hunting and trapping. But Maltese hunters must be treated in the same way as hunters in other countries," he stressed.

Muscat went on to say that the same goes for trapping, while also making it a point to press home the message that Labour is not proposing a hunting free-for-all.

"We will be vigilant regarding enforcement. Nobody will find shelter for committing illegalities. They will not be protected. This is why I tell you: with us you know where you stand."

During his address, Muscat also reiterated his earlier message to jaded and disgruntled voters that not voting does not send out a clear enough message to an administration "that ran roughshod over the country and its people."

"It is useless to want change unless you're willing to vote for it. It is useless for people, come Monday, to complain that nothing changed if we don't all do our part. Don't pay attention to surveys. No survey counts as much as a single vote. So go out and convince people. Go vote as early as possible so we send out a message as early as possible."

Similarly, Muscat urged the party faithful to not only vote for their preferred party candidate, but to ensure that they fill out the ballot sheet with their full preference of Labour candidates.

In one of several broadsides against the Nationalist Party, he dismissed the party's claims that it would start listening to the people. "We heard this before, only five years ago. And where are we today? We are hearing the same thing all over again."

He also noted that despite these assurances, the PN have also been assuring the country that they would be doing more of the same. He questioned whether this would also mean sticking to decisions such as a power station extension that runs on heavy fuel oil, and the €500 honoraria increase.

"They are saying we don't need to change direction. They are cut off from the people. That is why we are offering a change of direction. This will mean a new leadership, a leadership that would never think of increasing its own paypacket while the people are suffering from the highest energy prices in history."

Muscat also assured the party faithful that Labour is not approaching the election from a perspective of chasing for votes on the eve of an election.

"We will start knocking on doors on the day after the election to let you know that we will not forget you, that we are here to listen to you, that we will not lose touch with the people."

Muscat also reiterated a number of Labour's proposals aimed at generating more economic growth and employment in Gozo, pointing in particular at Labour's proposals aimed at increasing accessibility between Malta and Gozo.

In particular, Muscat pointed to the construction of a cruise liner terminal in Gozo, which he described as "the birth of a new economic sector for the island that will bring about more jobs."

Setting his sights on the health sector, Muscat said among things that it is "unacceptable" that the elderly care residence remains part of the Gozo General Hospital, as well as the fact that cancer care is not provided in Gozo.

He said that a Labour government would see to it that cancer patients will no longer need to make the journey to Malta to receive care by providing such care in Gozo.

Muscat also pledged that a Labour government will also put the Gozitan hospital to full use. "We will also make the most of the interest being showed by foreign teaching institutions and campuses to open their own campuses here in Gozo," Muscat also said.

The Labour leader also said that Gozo and its needs would be taken into consideration as part of all other ministries' responsibilities, and will not be simply the responsibility of the Ministry for Gozo.

"Investment will not stop at Mellieha, but will include Gozo as well," Muscat said.