The President is the guardian of the Constitution, which states that the Catholic faith is the religion of Malta.

The Church is, by right, the guardian of the Catholic faith.

It would appear, therefore, that anyone who urges and/or condones secularisation at the expense of the Church is not fit to be president.

Of course, nobody disputes the separation between Church and State, but one has to observe and respect the functions of each other.

The presidency is not part of the executive, and as such has no executive powers.

It is, however, a symbol of national unity that earns the respect of all the people.

A president need not be a politician; in fact a non-politician would ensure, to a better extent, that the presidency does not infringe on the ministerial role of the executive.

Hugs and kisses do not enhance the dignity of the presidency, nor does the culinary prowess of a consort, however affable he/she may be.

It does not mean that the President should not be close to the people.

However, overdoing it, even in all genuineness, may deflect from the ultimate dignity of the presidency.