An apology

Oh dear! My juvenile sense of humour has got me into trouble again.

My letter (The Sunday Times, May 8) has upset the admirable Alan Deidun ("The Green Whistle-blower, May 15).  This is the last thing I intended. I thought that my opening paragraph expressed my admiration for his column.

My serious point was that in this instance, MEPA's excuse for not doing its duty was both lame and unworthy of it, as well as being unjustified. In the caption to his photograph Mr Deidun stated that the enforcement officers could not take action during the open hunting season and that this was understandable.

I regard Mr Deidun as the legitimate scourge of MEPA and the shooters, so I found his 'understanding' both a bit strange and rather amusing. It is only because his reputation in these matters is beyond reproac, that I felt able to pull his leg.

It would be untruthful of me to suggest that Alan Deidun is the first person not to appreciate my sense of humour. Humblest apologies; no offence, let alone an 'accusation' was intended. I am 100 per cent behind what Mr Deidun and Nature Trust are trying to achieve.