Commendable and sage decision

Victor Scerri has done the decent thing in resigning from president of the general council of the Nationalist Party.

He has broken no law as he has insisted all along and his party leader, Lawrence Gonzi, it was left entirely up to him to decide.

Now he has decided and has come up trumps.

He has recognised that the office he occupied in the PN imposed "restrictions" upon him. This is a most important realisation, which should be firmly embedded in the minds of every senior public servant in whatever field of service s/he is engaged.

Had he not resigned, Dr Scerri would have done his party, and his country, grievous harm.

I have not always seen eye to eye with Dr Scerri on political matters but in this matter of environmental protection, which is currently a foremost political issue, he has acted in a sage and exemplary manner.

It is not enough for persons in an important public office to act within the law. They have also to be seen to behave in a way which is consonant with their position as senior public servants.