The interview with Lawrence Gonzi (The Sunday Times of Malta, August 4) ably conducted by Ariadne Massa left no doubt that the former prime minister is now enjoying the serenity he truly deserves with his family.

Throughout this interview his joie de vivre and his vision were strikingly present.

Underpinned by that serenity with which he delivered his last speech in Parliament this was referred to by Speaker Anglu Farrugia when he said: “This legacy is for all irrespective of who agreed or not with his views and decisions.

“When a resignation is a free choice there is satisfaction and this was evident in the serenity with which this last Parliament speech was delivered.”

Always guided by strong moral principles the decisions – including tough decisions he was constrained to take – brought dignity to this country and its people.

His main focus was on tangible results in the interest of the common good while – with an aesthetic sensibility – he enhanced the physical beauty around us.

As Massa rightly observed he does not dwell on the negative aspects of defeat.

This is typical of the man.

That is why we are still savouring the imprint of his statesmanship while “his family had lent him to the nation”.