President George Abela might have officially stepped into the public eye yesterday but he seems to have already found a place in the heart of the Maltese.

Well-wishers greeted him with flowers as he walked ahead of his wife who hobbled a few steps behind him after spraining her ankle.

The sun reflected the people's mood as the first couple walked from St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta to the Palace, to the occasional cheer of "Viva George Abela".

Many of those who waited behind the railings in an attempt to catch a glimpse of the new President described Dr Abela as a humble man who will unite the country.

"He knows what it means to grow up in poverty - he knows how difficult life can be," Jane Said told The Sunday Times as she watched the ceremony in Republic Street.

She said she was impressed by the new President's humility, a trait she hoped would never change.

"We have a President who will bring the country together," she said.

Julian Mifsud acknowledged Dr Abela as a good man who was very involved in sports and loved by all. "I have faith in him - he will do great things for the country," he said.

Catherine Micallef said Dr Abela's background as a lawyer helped him understand the life of the weak and the strong. The new President was involved in voluntary work and had kept in touch with what the people felt, she said.

Marcelline Amato, accompanied by her young daughter Kyra, said she liked Dr Abela's sense of humour and humbleness. "However, I thought there would be more people present here today," she said.

In fact, a number of those present in Valletta yesterday pointed out that the turnout was lower than expected. One businessman said it felt like a normal Saturday morning.

"There wasn't the vibe there should have been - the only thing you noticed was that people were diverted into certain roads because of the railings," he said.

After the swearing-in ceremony, Dr Abela and his wife went to San Anton Palace, which has become their new home after they gave up their seafront bungalow in Marsascala.

They were greeted and introduced to the staff who presented Mrs Abela with a bouquet of flowers.

A few minutes later, they officially greeted their first guests: Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and his wife Kate.

Dr Gonzi congratulated Dr Abela on his opening speech in Parliament which, he said, touched upon the true values that make up Maltese society. Replying, Dr Abela thanked the Prime Minister for his initiative in nominating him, which would sow the seed of unity.

He later greeted Labour leader Joseph Muscat and his wife Michelle and thanked him for his decision to support his nomination.

Dr Muscat praised the new President's excellent speech and said he believed that Dr Abela was truly a President for everyone.

After the short meetings, they sat down for their first lunch - risotto with fungi porcini for starters, a selection of cold cuts, fish for main course and a hazelnut meringue with fresh strawberries for dessert.

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