Although Joe Micallef (February 13) is perfectly entitled to hold and express an opinion about all matters pertaining to Malta and its heritage, I do not think it excuses such an unpleasant attack on FAA in general and Astrid Vella in particular.

FAA consists of a group of unpaid volunteers who care deeply about Malta and its heritage. They have never claimed to be anything more than this or to set themselves above any of the rest of us.

One does not have to be a genius to foresee the consequences of ill-conceived plans for major structural alterations to some of our architectural and historical gems. The St John's Foundation's plans for the co-cathedral were flawed in so many ways that, eventually, the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, the Archbishop and many other eminent Maltese felt obliged to speak out against them and to act.

No one ever described any members of the foundation itself in unpleasant terms; it was simply their plans for the co-cathedral which were disputed.

Abusive letters about individuals almost invariably reflect very badly on the authors of such articles. I am afraid Mr Micallef has failed to impress me with the way he has chosen to present his argument.