Douglas Kmiec, US ambassador to Malta from 2009 to 2011, yesterday announced his bid for the vice presidency of the United States, backing Hillary Clinton.

Professor Kmiec, who had supported Barack Obama in the 2008 election, resigned his Malta post after a US State Department report rebuked him for spending too much time writing on subjects such as abortion and his Catholic beliefs to the detriment of American diplomacy.

In a Facebook post he said: “Thanks to my many friends who have asked me whether I intend to seek public office, Yes, I am. After a lifetime of supporting Democratic and Republican candidates, I am taking up the challenges that confront our nation directly.

“Specifically, and some will no doubt say, quixotically, I am pursuing the vice presidency of United States, but if all goes well that possibility will turn on the judgement of President Hillary Clinton.”

Mr Kmiec said he has no paid staff; only volunteers and campaign coordinators; no ready access to the media or direct-mail to get his platform considered but he had faith that his message would be heard.

“For years now I’ve been concerned about the growing inequalities within our country and especially with how this dramatic imbalance of wealth ignores the needs of those who never hesitate to step up for the country in times of need, whether it is to fight wars, some of them horribly ill considered, built the roads and bridges, connected the rail lines; farmed the land; and pretty much carried the spirit of the old red, white and blue wherever she is needed at home or abroad.”