As a long-time British resident in Malta, I am pleased to make my own small contibution to the many who have expressed their thoughts about Dom Mintoff.

I am just six years Mintoff’s junior, but clearly recall his strength to stand up and be counted for Malta in those early and formative years. I have been a life-long Socialist in the UK and now an honorary member of the Labour Party in these islands.

To many Mintoff may have seemed brash but he was also a highly educated man, graduating both from the University of Malta as an architect and MA in Science and Engineering from Hertford College of Oxford University.

With Mintoff, what you saw was what you got; he had no need of spin doctors, as the present scene calls for. He gave Malta strength and the will to go forward in those difficult times. I have now resided here in Malta 25 years and have seen his legacy reach fruition.

This was a man of great vision and like many we have all learnt from his ambition to build this republic. I am certain the Good Lord will open His arms to this brave man.