I think I am voicing the opinion of the vast majority of Maltese when I say that our President, Dr George Abela, has raised L-Istrina charity fund-raising event to a truly national level, attracting the admiration of people of all political persuasions.

But it is not only during this event that President Abela reflects unity. Ever since his appointment, we have not been subject to negative comments about his previous political activities from certain quarters.

This in itself leaves the incumbent free to make public pronouncements on issues of political controversy.

Indeed, the present government’s decision to appoint a person hailing from the Opposition was a wise and courageous step forward. Looking back in retrospect, the Nationalist Party’s meagre 1,581-vote majority in 2008 turned out to be a providential occasion for Realpolitik to be put into practice. People were fed up with political polarisation.

In December 1981 (the comparison is inevitable) we had a political party returned to power obtaining not a very slim majority, but a minority of votes, and yet the following February, when a new President to be elected (and with it the chance to unite the nation by doing something similar) an excellent opportunity for national reconciliation was missed.

Although government de-tractors may think the present administration is bereft of any important feathers in its cap, the example quoted above must surely rank as one of its most important achievements.