Thank you Eddie

I have done a bit of historical research and searching in my life. There is no doubt that the history of Malta has been shaped by the Nationalist Party, punto! I have followed the likes of Fortunato Mizzi (founder of the PN way back in 1880), his son Enrico, Sir Ugo, my cousin Giorgio Borg Olivier, but Eddie Fenech Adami had the toughest nut to crack. I will never forget his election to the party leadership in 1977. I was a PN councillor at the time and, of course, voted for Ċensu Tabone (our "Sur Ċensin" from St. Julians, my home town, and our patron and godfather) whose humble and warm abode in Carmel Street was our każin for so many years, governed by the inimitable Sinjura Maria around the large kitchen table, until we bought the każin in Triq George Borg Olivier (formerly Grenfell Street).

But Dr Fenech Adami it was to be as leader.

I then remember the long years in opposition when, for some of them, between 1976 and 1981, I was parliamentary reporter for In-Nazzjon Tagħna or (for some crazy Mintoffian frame of mind) In-.......Tagħna. Those were the days when the Mintoffian thugs sat in the VIP area in Parliament, just behind the press box. As reporters, we were threatened and even assaulted. There were occasions when we had to flee the House to continue our reporting from the opposition room. For my own personal safety, I used to be escorted through the back entrance opposite the Valletta market by Carm Lino Spiteri - Iċ-Ċumpaqq (opposition whip) and Joe Fenech (both rest their soul).

This is what Dr Fenech Adami had to face.

I also remember the infamous Black Monday incidents. I was sitting in Parliament when we heard a roar (like that of wild animals) as the Curia bookshop was being ransacked in Archbishop Street. Then we smelt the burning of the Nationalist Party club in Piazza Regina. Believe me, MPs from both parties were shocked and very worried.

Perhaps this was Dr Fenech Adami's first real test. He went to Dom Mintoff's office and warned him that if his thugs and arsonists were to attack the PN headquarters then there would be serious trouble and Eddie would not shoulder the responsibility for that. Of course, his house was then attacked (in the context of one of the most Nazi-type lies ever, when Xandir Malta falsely reported that the MLP club at Birkirkara had been ransacked).

Being in Parliament, I heard the news of the attack on Eddie's house immediately and, with my journalist's nose firmly to the ground, I was there within 15 minutes. It was a disaster. I clearly remember (then) Magistrate Joe Filletti arriving to carry out the inquiry. There were so many supporters. They were angry. They were looking for blood. Dr Fenech Adami would not have it, even though his wife, his elderly mother and his young children had been terrorised. I will never forget those scenes of destruction, of course, but also Dr Fenech Adami's firm control.

I have been before Dr Fenech Adami on other occasions of crisis. I remember the balavostri incident at Żebbuġ. I believe Dr Fenech Adami and Guido de Marco were in Gozo at the time and they raced back to headquarters. They took important decisions.

I also remember crucial decisions being taken at the Stamperija after parliamentary sittings, with Dr Fenech Adami, Dr de Marco, Louis Galea and others deliberating, top buttons undone and ties lowered, and, perhaps, a tot of whisky. Dr Fenech Adami also liked a cigar at the time.

I remember the momentous decision to go ahead with the Tal-Barrani mass meeting. It was not an easy decision but it was taken with tremendous responsibility as we sat in front of the party leaders at headquarters.

There is no doubt (although we may say it with hindsight) that Dr Fenech Adami was the best thing that happened to Malta.

I am writing all this because he was 75 last Saturday. But not only. He will shortly end his public life. But then, who knows? I am so honoured to have known him personally and having had the opportunity to really feel at home with him.

I must say that I was very confused about the decision to have him appointed President although I backed his appointment to the full from day one. But there is no doubt that we were lucky to have him serve the nation up to the highest post. There was a very dangerous man referred to as Is-salvatur ta' Malta in 1972. But the real salvatur was Dr Fenech Adami.

Dr Fenech Adami, enjoy your permanent sabbatical and ad multos annos!