A blind Gozitan lawyer will be vying to become Malta’s first visually impaired parliamentarian after being accepted by the Nationalist Party to contest the general election.

Kevin Cutajar, 34, who lost his eyesight when he was 13, told The Sunday Times he was looking forward to the prospect.

“Challenges are very important for me as they keep me going despite the difficulties I have due to my lack of vision.

“However, I have accepted the invitation of the PN to contest the general election, as I think I can contribute towards the continuing development of Gozo and its people.”

A big supporter of the Malta-Gozo tunnel link project, which he considers crucial for the island’s future, Dr Cutajar already has experience in politics on a local level.

The lawyer, who went blind after sustaining an ear infection, successfully contested two local elections in his hometown Xagħra.

“I like helping people and being involved in the community. Although this sounds strange, as people like me normally need help themselves, I feel very fulfilled when I know I’m doing my best to help those who need my help,” he said.

Specialised in financial services and taxation, Dr Cutajar lives with his brother in Msida and works in Valletta, spending most of the day meeting clients. Every weekend, he travels to Gozo to spend time with his family and attends various political activities.

Although he knows it will be difficult to win a seat in Parliament, particularly with seasoned incumbents such as ministers Giovanna Debono and Chris Said, Dr Cutajar’s optimism is his fortitude.

“I will be doing my utmost to win my fair share of votes. I already have a lot of people helping me and need more. I will give it my best shot. This is another challenge for me,” he said, with a big smile on his face.

Blind people have been known to make it in politics, one of the most notable being David Blunkett, the British minister who served in Tony Blair’s government.