Eddie Fenech Adami. There are a multitude of adjectives that one can use to describe the outgoing President, but I think that what Dr Fenech Adami, or Eddie, will be best remembered for is giving Malta back to the Maltese and for upholding the three principles he believed were the key to do this: work, justice and freedom. Three principles that were not just a slogan but the guidelines on which he rebuilt our nation after the catastrophe left behind by a socialist Administration that, in its 16 years of tenure, riddled Malta with wounds inflicted by physical and moral violence. Many would have reacted by seeking revenge after having suffered so much, but Dr Fenech Adami's first words after winning in 1987 were national reconciliation. History has proven him right, and those dark days are over forever thanks to him.

Dr Fenech Adami wanted Malta to move forward; he believed in the capabilities of this nation and acted accordingly. As part of (then Foreign Minister) Guido de Marco's secretariat I had the opportunity to accompany Dr Fenech Adami abroad on several occasions, and his determination and drive have been an inspiration in my political career. His unique style in conveying a message, his vision and belief that Malta could indeed make a huge leap forward were undoubtedly a major factor that enabled Malta to join the European Union.

Throughout his political career, Dr Fenech Adami never sought the politics of confrontation, but neither did he ever take one step backward; he always stood his ground and sought to achieve the goals he believed in.

Very few statesmen have managed to achieve what he did for a nation, and I think the image of him signing the treaty of adhesion in Athens back in 2003 will forever be imprinted in many minds; it was a dream come true. Dr Fenech Adami had reached his goal, that of making Malta a nation equal to all nations. A nation that would, from that day onwards, have a place on the table of negotiation, a nation that would, forthwith, partake in the decisions the European Union made.

Dr Fenech Adami turned Malta into a nation that could stand its own ground. He had a great team behind him, people like Prof. de Marco, Louis Galea, Ugo Mifsud Bonnici, Ċensu Tabone, George Bonello du Puis, Michael Refalo and Michael Falzon, among others, to help him achieve his goals. A loyal team, many times referred to as the magnificent seven, that managed to amalgamate their capabilities to implement the party's vision. People I have the honour to have worked with at some point or other and who were and still are truly inspirational in my political career.

Dr Fenech Adami's priority back in 1987 was to restore dignity to the workforce and to offer job opportunities to everyone. He believed that the only way to revive the economy was to guarantee everyone's freedom of speech and freedom of choice, to ensure that everyone was treated justly and to eliminate any form of discrimination.

A politician's greatest achievement is to persuade his opponents to follow his lines. This Dr Fenech Adami did on several occasions, including the recognition of the importance of Malta's Independence, the introduction of local government, the introduction of VAT and, most importantly, membership of the EU.

Dr Fenech Adami managed to secure Malta's future with EU membership. He let go of the helm of the country after assuring that the nation had a strong and growing economy, knowing that democracy was firmly in place. He also stepped down as PN leader knowing that his successor would steer the ship in the right direction to assure a better standard of living for the whole country. Not an easy decision after so many electoral victories.

In his tenure as President, he again managed to prove the cynics wrong and succeeded to elevate himself above party politics and worked incessantly to promote national unison. Dr Fenech Adami believed in our nation; he believed in the people that make up our nation and I think that his way of thinking falls very much into line with the quotation of another great President, the late Ronald Reagan, when he said: "I know in my heart that man is good. That what is right will always eventually triumph. And there's purpose and worth to each and every life."

On a personal note, I would like to wish Dr Fenech Adami a peaceful retirement, even though I am pretty sure he will readily offer his advice and wisdom to those who seek it.

Mr Casa is a Nationalist member of the European Parliament.

david@davidcasa.eu, www.davidcasa.eu