The House of Representatives this evening heaped praise on President George Abela, two days before his term ends.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said the nomination of Dr Abela five years ago had been a wise one and he was proud that both sides of the House had supported it, the first time that had happened.

Dr Abela had been a President for all, impartial, wise and energetic.

Dr Muscat praised him for his inspirational work, which included the raising of €15m for charities.

He also thanked him for his input for the development of the presidency, a challenge this parliament would face in this legislature within the Constitutional Convention.

Opposition leader Simon Busuttil said the nomination of Dr Abela had been a risk, since that was the first time that a prime minister had nominated somebody from the opposing political camp. It was an experiment which had paid off handsomely and he thanked Lawrence Gonzi for taking the risk.

Dr Busuttil praised Dr Abela for having turned his interests into innovative ideas for better quality of life for the people, including sports, healthy eating and the kitchen garden.

This was a President who generated interest and enthusiasm among the people, notably within the Community Chest Fund.

He praised Dr Abela for his humility and understanding what the people felt. He had a joie de vivre which rubbed off on the people.

He was a worthy President for the country, Dr Busuttil said, and he also thanked Mrs Margaret Abela for being at the President's side and making her own contribution to the country.

Dr Muscat joined Dr Busuttil in also thanking Mrs Abela.