With just over six weeks until a new President is appointed, speculation is growing over who will fill the role. Ivan Martin asked people in Valletta for their nominations and if a woman should hold Malta’s highest office.

Mario Cassar, 56

“Whoever it is should be supported by both political parties. There needs to be consensus. I’m not bothered if the President is male or female, just as long as the person is supported by the people. I don’t have any names to put forward.”

Neil Portelli, 26

“To be honest, it doesn’t make much of a difference to me who the next President is. It also doesn’t really matter if it’s a man or a woman. I think whoever it is should have a political background, but that isn’t a necessity.”

Simone Mulholland, 44

“I think we should keep the same one we have right now. He’s got it all, he’s got a big heart and the country has kept up a good rhythm under his presidency. To me, he’s the best.”

Maria Cuschieri, 42

“Helena Dalli, I like her, she’d be good. A woman would be my choice.”

Anthony Borg, 50

“I think that the next President should have had nothing to do with politics. I’m not bothered whether it’s a man or a woman. Whoever it is, I will have a new mug with their face on it.”

Kevin Tanti, 22

“I don’t have any idea who the next President is going to be. I think the most important thing is that the person is able to lead. I don’t think it will make a difference if it’s a man or a woman.”

Simon Psaila, 24

“[Former education minister] Dolores Christina would be my choice. It would be nice to have a woman and I think she’s done a lot for the country. She seems suitable for the role.”

Tony Mifsud, 71

“No, definitely not a woman. The President of the Republic should be a man. I think it should be [President Emeritus] Eddie Fenech Adami’s son, Beppe, because I like them.”