I just saw this piece. How I wish there were more journalists and columnists who take this stand. To write an apology in this manner and to actually find the time to make amends personally with JMC is not only brave but should be of example in a country where the word journalist has become equated with slapdash work and lies.

You give me hope.

But was Joe professional in this particular case? The answer is an unequivocal yes. I have been shown documentation stating that in the St. John’s Cathedral case, he indicated that the requisite studies would need to be undertaken before a decision is taken. Joe is simply not the type to jump to conclusions. He would only make a recommendation when armed with a detailed informed opinion.

I cannot but command great respect for the professional manner in which he approaches his assignments. Apart from being knowledgeable and professional, Joe is also passionate, almost obsessed, with the safeguarding of Malta’s tangible heritage. Although I do not always agree with his recommendations, I cannot help but support him in expounding his case when observing his passion in delivering his arguments. My posting is not spurred by the fact that Joe happens to be one of my staff. I do it for the sake of furthering justice in terms of Joe’s public reputation.

Daphne, I am aware that you are a very busy person. However, I would very much appreciate if you could spare some time to meet Joe Magro Conti and discuss his past, current and envisaged future projects. I can assure you it would be a very healthy exchange which you would really appreciate.

My believe is that it is high time for journalism in Malta to disclose some of the more positive aspects of MEPA and which for some reason, are not finding their way to the public domain.

[Daphne – Joe and I have already spoken about this, rest assured.]

And why did FAA forget to tell the people that the Cathedral Chapter were completely against exhibiting the tapestries in a palazzo, whether near or far?

just noticed i repeated myself.

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=83422

[Daphne – I am glad to see that we are in perfect agreement on this score: “Parliament is the primary exponent of democracy and its location in a prominent place in the capital city symbolises the importance of democracy for our development.” Going by what I have read so far, Alfred Mifsud and I are the only two commentators who have made that point. I trust we are not the only two who are aware of the significance of a parliament building as the ultimate symbol of democracy.]

But who exactly is the “state” and who finances such a “state”?

[Daphne – The state is a legal concept and a legal entity, Sybil, regardless of who pays for its activities, as opposed to paying for ‘it’.]