Karl Chircop in deep coma

Labour MP Karl Chircop is in a deep coma and his condition is still critical after he suffered a stroke on Sunday. The 42-year-old family doctor was still in intensive care after a cerebral haemorrhage, the Health Division said yesterday.

Describing Dr Chircop's condition as precarious, the Labour Party said medical tests were being carried out to determine his state of health.

The father of four, who turns 43 tomorrow, was rushed to hospital late on Sunday.

Labour leader Joseph Muscat again visited his colleague and the family yesterday morning.

In a touching moment during the party's extraordinary general meeting on Monday evening, Dr Muscat urged people to reunite in solidarity "with Karl and hope to see him again".

The Nationalist Party expressed its solidarity with the politician's family and voiced its recognition for Dr Chircop's political work and his correct political style.

Alternattiva Demokratika chairman Arnold Cassola urged him to "keep fighting".

Messages of support for Dr Chircop and his family continued pouring in on www.timesofmalta.com yesterday, with many expressing disbelief. Nationalist MP David Agius, who is attending the 54th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with Nationalist MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando and Labour Party Whip Joe Mizzi, said they were shocked at the news.

"Hope for a miracle to happen for this outstanding man," another comment said.

Media scholar Fr Joe Borg who has his own blog on The Times website said the surge of solidarity expressed shows how respected "this fine gentleman, good doctor and capable politician" is.

Dr Chircop has been involved in politics since 1996, when he was elected to Parliament at the age of 31. He was appointed Labour health spokesman by party leader Joseph Muscat last month.