Are you sitting comfortably?

Posing for an official photo shoot was probably low on President George Abela's list of concerns when he assumed office last week.

But the official photo released last Tuesday by the Department of Information caused such a public reaction that the department is now reconsidering its choice and actively exploring other possibilities, it said in a statement yesterday.

Distribution of the photo in government departments was meant to start tomorrow but will now take place at an as yet unspecified date.

The President sits with his legs crossed awkwardly and wears a seemingly painful smile and a colourful tie in the photo in question. A figurine appears to be protruding from the top of his head, while an ornamental clock sits on a mantelpiece above a roaring fireplace in the background. To add to the muddled scene, flags of Malta, the EU and the President's coat of arms are displayed.

Readers of timesofmalta.com had lots to say about the photo when the DOI's rethink was reported yesterday. It became one of the most commented upon articles within hours of appearing online, with remarks ranging from technical criticism, to anger, to mockery.

"I hope this photo is deleted immediately and never shown in public again," said one disgusted reader.

"Is the President the one in the middle?" asked another, echoing criticism from various readers about the photo's cluttered background. One person described the setting as "something out of the Antiques Roadshow."

Another reader questioned the wisdom of sitting the President in front of a fireplace. "Foreigners seeing this photo would probably think we are positioned near to the Arctic with the fireplace in the background and the photo taken at almost midday."

Not everyone was so scathing about the setting, however. It "represents the imbarazz (clutter) and kitsch we find in our cluttered houses," according to one upbeat comment. Many took aim at the photographer responsible, with some pushing their own credentials to do a better job.

"Dear George, for free I volunteer to take the photo of you myself, even though I am Down Under with commitments," said one selfless reader, who was clearly more distressed by the photo than the prospect of an expensive 24-hour flight from Australia.

Still, not everyone was so unimpressed. One reader praised the photo for showing the President's "very clear, humble smile and forehead filled with wisdom."

Others were pleased that the photo controversy had united the nation in the way that Dr Abela said he wishes to.

It is unclear whether Dr Abela wil have to sit through another photo shoot or whether any of the other shortlisted pictures will be used. But one thing is for sure, that photo will soon be replaced.