Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi yesterday described Dom Mintoff, who passed away in August aged 96, as the PN’s “adversary par excellence – both in substance and in ideology”.
Dr Gonzi was speaking as Parliament, which reconvened after a three-month summer recess, was paying tribute to the former Prime Minister who served in the House for more than half a century, from 1945 to 1998, of which 16 years were as Prime Minister – both records for Malta.
The Prime Minister recalled that while Mr Mintoff was an antagonist on many issues, there were also issues in which there was convergence – points which, he said, were as spectacular as those of controversy. It was appropriate that destiny chose the PN to be in government to pay tribute to such an adversary.
As a Maltese citizen, Dr Gonzi recalled his concern when he was appointed as Speaker of the House and had to inform Mr Mintoff of such an appointment.
At the time, Mr Mintoff was recovering in his private residence. He had accepted to meet Dr Gonzi and the two shared what the Prime Minister described as “an interesting conversation”.
In later years, he travelled several times with Mr Mintoff, who shared several life experiences with him. When Dr Gonzi suggested he publish his memoirs, Mr Mintoff had immediately refused.
Earlier, the Prime Minister said that, whether one agreed or disagreed with Mr Mintoff’s politics, one had to acknowledge that he had an impact on the Maltese people with historical events and constitutional achievements.
Dr Gonzi said that he would not judge Mr Mintoff’s politics as it was not the place to do so.
However, he made it clear that he could never agree with his politics or with his style of administration.
Nevertheless, Mr Mintoff was paid a genuine tribute. As Prime Minister, Dr Gonzi said, he had communicated with Mr Mintoff’s relatives and with the Labour Party to offer a state funeral.
However, he was ready to abide by the wishes of the family. He had also understood that it was a moment of bereavement for the Labour Party.
At the end of his speech, Dr Gonzi expressed his condolences to Mr Mintoff’s family and to the Labour Party on his own behalf and on behalf of the Government.
Twenty-three MPs, 13 from the Government side and 10 from the Opposition, did not attend the commemorative sitting.
Among them were Franco Debono (PN) and Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, who had attended the earlier House Business Committee as non-members.
Alfred Sant (PL), who had already given a miss to Mr Mintoff’s State funeral, was not present either.
The sitting was attended by Mr Mintoff’s two daughters, Yana Mintoff Bland and Anne McKenna. After the commemorative speeches, Parliament adjourned early as a sign of respect and Dr Gonzi walked over to the Strangers Gallery to speak to them.
The House is due to meet again this evening.