Normally we applaud people after their death through the humdrum epitaphs we read in the daily papers, however what about honouring people while they are in the best of health?

I have known Toni Abela for quite some time now but recently I have had the pleasure of meeting him weekly and it further helped me to greatly appreciate the stature of this man. His ruling passion is a predominant sense of justice, his obsession is social morality and the well-being of the man in the street. He does not seek fame, indeed he shuns power and it is on record that he sulks away when lucrative positions are in sight.

Honestly, however, it is his vast knowledge about practically anything under the sun, his well of knowledge about things past especially the colourful Napoleonic years and their impact on Malta and their legal interpretation that fascinate me. Indeed it is a joy to watch his inability to keep hold of himself when the discussion treads this way.

A lawyer, a politician, a poet, a playwright, a song writer, a weekly contributor to the dailies, an enthusiastic cook, devoted husband and father… how fortunate for Joseph Muscat to have him on his team!