The news of the death of President Emeritus Ċensu Tabo­ne’s provoked a wave of sympathetic reactions from people commenting online apart from official tributes from dignitaries at home and even the European Commission.

Sensitive to the needs of those most in need

President George Abela called Dr Tabone’s wife personally to express his sorrow. He said Dr Tabone was loved by the people as a doctor because he worked tirelessly to help others.

He was also a politician who dedicated his life to the ideals he believed in and for the country to move forward. “He served as a member of Parliament for many years, as a minister and head of state, during which time he displayed dignity and wisdom that brought wide consensus among the Maltese.”

In a statement from London, where he is on a two-day visit, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi recalled Dr Tabone as a person who was always close to the people and practised what he believed in. He praised him as a family man, a medical doctor and a politician.

“He was always sensitive to the needs of those most in need,” he said.

As Minister of Labour and Social Services in the 1960s, he had introduced new concepts to make it easier for people with a disability to find employment.

Dr Tabone had also strongly contributed to the two most important developments in the past 50 years: the country’s independence and membership of the European Union.

Both the Nationalist and the Labour parties saluted the former President, who was praised unanimously for his humility.

The Nationalist Party described him as a “political gentleman” who dedicated all his life for the service of the people as a doctor and a politician.

Labour leader Joseph Muscat praised Dr Tabone for having served “with humanity and humility”.

European Commission president José Manuel Barroso said Dr Tabone would be remembered for his pride in being Maltese and his tireless efforts to bring forward the interests of his country and fellow citizens. He was very sharp, dedicated and sensible, Mr Barroso said.

Tributes were also paid by Alternattiva Demokratika, the Nationalist Party’s Youth Movement, the Malta Union of Professional Psychologists, the Medical Association of Malta and the Sliema Philharmonic Society.

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