The House of Representatives this evening heard moving tributes to Labour MP Karl Chircop, who passed away yesterday, aged 43.

Flowers and a large picture were placed on the seat usually occupied by Dr Chircop as the Speaker, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition led the tributes to the MP of 12 years.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said this was a moment of profound sadness for the House. All had been shocked when Dr Chircop fell ill and the country had united in its hopes and prayers for a recovery. The country was now united in mourning for a man who despite being young, had contributed to the progress of this country.

Dr Gonzi recalled that when he was Social Policy Minister in 1998, Dr Chircop was shadow minister. Their debates, he said, were occasionally tough but Dr Chircop was "elegant in his delivery of an argument despite being tough".

Dr Chircop always believed in what he said. He was dedicated to his values and used those values in the service of his country. He viewed politics as an instrument to serve the people.

Clearly he was always in close contact with the people, not least because he was a family doctor. He also respected his political opponents and differing views.

“His was a substantial and substantive contribution to the country” Dr Gonzi said. He hoped that Dr Chircop’s family would draw comfort from this as they mourned a dear husband and father.

Dr Gonzi expressed his condolences to the family on behalf of the government.

Opposition Leader Joseph Muscat said this was a loss for the country, the MLP and his parliamentary colleagues.

The country had lost a worthy representative of the people, a person who, like many on both sides of the House, put the interests of the people and the nation before anything else.

The MLP had lost a loyal worker who respected the party’s ideals. Karl grew up in a worker’s family and never forgot his roots.

He had personally lost a friend with whom he had shared ups and downs.

Dr Chircop was a person who was frank in his views. He was not a yes man and would make his views known, even if they were unpalatable for some.

Dr Muscat said Dr Chircop had taken up his task as shadow minister for health with enthusiasm.

However there were two memories which were particularly enduring. The first was that despite his packed diary, Dr Chircop always found time for his family. The second was the donation of his organs. His wife Adriana had told him she was sure that would have been Dr Chircop's wish. He, therefore, was of service to others to the very end.

This should serve as an example to encourage organ donations which would give new hope to other people.

Dr Muscat also paid tribute to Dr Chircop’s mother Marion, who first lost her husband and now her son, practically in the same manner.

Dr Muscat on behalf of the family thanked Parliamentary Secretary Joe Cassar who had always been close to the family and had done his best to help.

He also expressed condolences to the family on behalf of the opposition.

The Speaker, Louis Galea, referred to the many tributes by individuals and organisations and said they were all well deserved. As an MP, Dr Chircop was always well prepared. He grasped the details of an argument and had worked effectively to improve legislation. He had practiced the vocation of a politician with success. He was an example of honesty ,integrity and loyalty which should be mirrored by everyone.

The House then observed a minute's silence and adjourned as a mark of respect.

Earlier today, the Labour Party said it had opened a book of condolence for Dr Chircop.

The members of the Labour parliamentary group led by Opposition leader Joseph Muscat, were the first to sign the book in the foyer of Labour HQ this afternoon.

The book will be open to the public between tomorrow and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The parliamentary group observed a minute’s silence for Dr Chircop at the start of a meeting this afternoon. It also expressed its solidarity with his widow Adriana and their children Jan, Francesca, Christian and Keith, his mother Marion and the rest of the family.

Flags on party clubs are to fly at half mast till Wednesday.