Ex-political heavyweights mooted as next President

Three former political heavyweights seem to be the frontrunners at this stage to succeed Eddie Fenech Adami as President after his five-year term ends on April 4.

European Commissioner Joe Borg, Speaker Louis Galea and former Finance Minister Lino Spiteri are thought to be the leading candidates as the government again looks to appoint the head of state from the political class.

It is understood that the government and opposition will attempt to agree on a name, though the Prime Minister will decide who to put forward - after seeking the consent of the person concerned. The next President will then be elected after a simple majority vote in Parliament.

Dr Borg and Dr Galea have both had prominent political careers in the Nationalist Party, and they have earned broad respect in recent months as European Commissioner and Speaker respectively.

It remains to be seen whether the opposition will object to either of the two, since Labour leader Joseph Muscat has made it clear he would like to see a symbol of national unity.

Dr Galea, 61, had been elected to every legislature since 1976, but missed out on a parliamentary seat in the election last March. He is known to be one of the island's top strategists.

Former Foreign Minister Joe Borg's term as Fisheries Commissioner comes to an end in November, and it is not yet known whether the 56-year-old EU expert wishes to relinquish his post in Brussels.

If he were nominated for President, the government would have to select a new Commissioner, which is likely to cause changes in the administration's structure.

However, sources say Dr Gonzi is also mulling the possibility of opting for 70-year-old Mr Spiteri.

Mr Spiteri resigned abruptly from politics in 1997 after falling out with Labour leader Alfred Sant and he has since moulded an image as a moderate observer in his written contributions to the press.

Ironically, Mr Spiteri's nomination could cause division within the Labour Party, since some individuals, particularly supporters of Dr Sant, are vehemently opposed.

Mr Spiteri has not yet been sounded out about the post, but sources within the Labour Party say Mr Muscat is expected to do so shortly.

However, the Labour leader has spoken to Judge Giovanni Bonello, who sits on the European Court of Human Rights, about the possibility of putting his name forward for the post. Judge Bonello is an acclaimed historian, archivist, collector and one of the most prolific authors about Maltese culture, history and heritage.

When contacted, the Office of the Prime Minister refused to discuss names, saying several people were being considered at this stage.

However, Dr Muscat told The Sunday Times: "My priority would be to find a nominee who symbolises national unity, somebody who will hopefully gather the support of both sides of the House."

Reluctant to name his preferences, Dr Muscat said the country had a unique opportunity to opt for a President acceptable to both parties for the first time since Anthony Mamo's nomination in 1974.

Presidents of Malta

Anthony Mamo: 1974-76

Anton Buttigieg: 1976-81

Agatha Barbara: 1982-87

Ċensu Tabone: 1989-94

Ugo Mifsud Bonnici: 1994-99

Guido de Marco: 1999-2004

Eddie Fenech Adami: 2004-2009

hgrech@timesofmalta.com