Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi yesterday said he was sure John Dalli had all the necessary qualities to deal with his new portfolio, which he said was important because it dealt with "quality of life".

Dr Gonzi said in a statement: "I am confident that Malta will once again enjoy the good reputation it gained with (Fisheries Commissioner) Joe Borg's work over the past five years."

It was announced last Friday that Mr Dalli would take the health and consumer affairs portfolio, which sees the two areas reunited after they were split in 2007.

The head of the European Commission Representation in Malta, Joanna Drake, said Mr Dalli would have the ability to push policies that transcend national borders.

She said although health policy was still very national in nature, efforts had been made in the EU to strengthen patients' rights when seeking healthcare in other EU countries.

"Health is an area where the EU can do a lot," Dr Drake said, pointing to swine flu as an example.

"Consumer Affairs is more developed and active on things that matter to people. It does have the legal basis to develop its consumer policy, which it has been doing. A success here, if achieved, is much easier to communicate to people as it strikes a chord with citizens," Ms Drake said.