Nickie Vella De Fremeaux (Adrian Delia)
Your husband is standing for a very dedicated role. How do you feel about this?
In all honesty I am daunted by the very prospect – particularly since I deem myself to be an apolitical person who has always praised and/or criticised (as the case may be) the tactics, manoeuvres and decisions of all local political parties/politicians over the years.
I will remain equally objective and critical, whatever the outcome.
How would your life actually change, were he to be elected?
Our life has already changed overnight, so the children and I are bracing ourselves for further radical changes should he be elected.
I have always dedicated myself to our children even at the cost of my own profession/career. My focus has always been the family, especially our children. The family is paramount to me and whilst I see that many sacrifices will have to be made, I will do my utmost to ensure that some things do not change, namely that together Adrian and I will continue to retain a healthy balance between politics and family.
You are the best person to describe your husband on a more up-close-and-personal level. How would you describe him?
Adrian is a man of staunch values and principles: a man of integrity with a passion for all he does in his life. He values and embraces the family. Despite being a man with a litigious nature he nonetheless remains a hopeless romantic.
Is there a political issue about which you feel passionate?
There are definitely two major bones of contention which I deem to be unacceptable, namely the sale of citizenship (also known as the IIP) and more recently the elimination of the terms mother and father from the Marriage Equality law.
Both of these constitute a betrayal to Maltese citizens as a general rule and more specifically to all Maltese mothers/fathers.
The failure by the government to embrace ALL those who have children, independent of their sexual orientation and civil status, is an act of prejudice and discrimination which has serious social and legal repercussions that are unacceptable in a democratic society.
Nobody has the right to deny anyone of their biological status under the veil that this would offend minority groups, particularly when we have witnessed a population that is overtly in favour of diversity.
These pieces of legislation are ill befitting to our nation.
What was your reaction when your husband said he would be running for party leader and how did you learn about it?
Initially we had agreed on this new venture together following the landslide defeat of the PN.
I encouraged him, as I deemed him to be a worthy candidate, possessing all the qualities and virtues of a leader. I must be honest however: it was a baptism of fire and before the word ‘go’ I had already got cold feet!
Can you give us one positive and one negative trait in your husband’s character?
There a lot of positive traits in Adrian’s character, although I would say that it is his inner strength that is overwhelming. As for his negative traits, these too are abundant, however it is his extreme tidiness that always seems to get the better of me, given that we are such a large brood so tidiness is virtually a task that is impossible to achieve.
Why do you think PN members should elect your husband?
The PN has been rocked to its foundations as witnessed by the historic landslide defeats suffered. I believe that a person with vision and determination, coupled with positive and untainted energy, will reinvigorate the party and bring it back to its former glory. I believe that Adrian can achieve this goal against all odds.
The strength of the PN is essential not only in the name of party politics but more importantly for the preservation of democracy.
In what way does your husband help out at home?
Adrian is extremely helpful around the house. He is very hands on, as he is in everything he does. Sadly, this willingness to help also manifests itself in an enthusiastic ‘chef’ – and I can assure you that this is pretty much a punishment to our palate.
Bio
Name: Adrian Delia
Age: 46
Date of marriage: 30 June 2001
Profession: lawyer
Home town: hails from Birkirkara and resides in Siġġiewi
Number of children: five: two girls and three boys
Pets: four – three dogs and a cat
Hobbies: reading and a passion (rather than a hobby) for local football
MayAnne Perici Calascione
Your husband is standing for a very dedicated role. How do you feel about this?
For as long as I have known him, Alex has always been completely dedicated to whatever commitment he undertakes, be it in his profession, in politics, in family or in friendships. It is an aspect of his character which I have always admired and at the same time, have had to come to terms with from very early on. I therefore knew from the very first time he mentioned that he was being contacted by a number of people to consider contesting for this role, that it would mean he would be, as usual, 200 per cent committed to it. Luckily, the past 31 years of marriage have prepared me well for this!
How would your life actually change, were he to be elected?
Quite drastically, I imagine, in many ways and very much a continuation of the same, in many other ways.
You are the best person to describe your husband on a more up-close-and-personal level. How would you describe him?
Alex is an open and straightforward person. He is very focused and determined but always leaves space for debate and discussion, both in family and in other areas. He has a keen sense of fairness and very strong opinions when it comes to matters which, to his mind, cause or can cause injustice. As a friend, he is a loyal; as a father, he is accessible and understanding; as a lawyer, he is serious and focused; as a politician, he is committed and determined to do good. As a husband and life companion, he is certainly not always the easiest of people to live with, but I have to admit that with all the ups and downs which life has dealt, it has been one heck of a ride!
Is there a political issue about which you feel passionate?
The well-being of those who live on the margins of society.
What was your reaction when your husband said he would be running for party leader and how did you learn about it?
I remember we were leaving Dar Centrali and he received a call from one of the MPs and it became clear to me what the subject was all about. He then told me that he had been considering this matter seriously for a few days but he hadn’t told me anything about it before, as he still had to reach a final decision. My first reaction was to ask if he was certain about it and whether he had taken all aspects into consideration. After he replied that he had, my next reaction was that we should let the children know and then take it from there, together as a family.
Can you give us one positive and one negative trait in your husband’s character?
I will start with the negative: He is rarely punctual, unlike me, and occasionally he still manages to drive me nuts! On the positive side, I would have to say the way he manages to always give maximum time and attention to people and to really and sincerely appreciate their problem or their situation, whatever it may be.
Why do you think PN members should elect your husband?
I am clearly biased in that, to my mind, he is definitely the right choice! This apart, I would definitely wish them to consider a character which is very strong and determined whenever the situation so requires and compromising whenever it is necessary. He has qualities that promote and enhance unity within and that project seriousness and determination in external action.
In what way does your husband help out at home?
Ok – this I shall do my best to answer as diplomatically as possible. In short, to put it in his own words, he lends substantial ‘moral support’ for which your kind and understanding readers should interpret that he very rarely cooks; limits household chores to the occasional clearing and, the height of the annual resolution, lays the joined tables for New Year’s Day lunch.
Bio
Name: Alex
Age: 55
Date of marriage: 3 May 1986
Profession: advocate
Home town: Lija
Number of children: three
Pets: Simba – our Alaskan malamute
Hobbies: Reading (in the rare times that this is possible) and music
Jenny Portelli
Your husband is standing for a very dedicated role. How do you feel about this?
You rightly say that this is a ‘very dedicated role’, so I say my husband fits the bill as no one can deny that for at least 40 years Frank has been dedicated to the betterment of the country and the ideals of the Nationalist Party.
How would your life actually change, were he to be elected?
I am a very private person who enjoys family life and I realise that, should Frank be elected, that level of privacy would be difficult to maintain. However, I will do what I have always done and that is to support Frank in his endeavours whilst at the same time trying even harder to maintain a calm stable family life at home.
You are the best person to describe your husband on a more up-close-and-personal level. How would you describe him?
Frank’s name describes him perfectly: he is frank and totally honest. He is what you see, he has no hidden agenda and is not afraid to say what he thinks, even when at times it would have been easier – and in some instances safer – to say nothing! I too am outspoken when the need arises, so I guess we have that in common. Outside his political and working life, Frank is a man who enjoys his privacy and the simple pleasures of life.
Is there a political issue about which you feel passionate?
Rather than one particular political issue, there are a number of issues that I feel strongly about, namely the insidious erosion of Malta’s natural beauty through over-development and the sad fact that, in many walks of life, it is still not what you know but who you know.
What was your reaction when your husband said he would be running for party leader and how did you learn about it?
If I remember correctly, Frank told me of his genuine interest in this role one evening in the comfort of our living room. To be honest, it wasn’t a surprise because I know that for the last few years he has felt frustrated at not being able to do something concrete to stem the growing tide of rampant corruption and cronyism in this country.
Can you give us one positive and one negative trait in your husband’s character?
Two good traits: honesty and loyalty and one bad trait: looking for important things like keys, phone, etc., at the last minute and not finding them because he never seems to put them in the same place twice!
Why do you think PN members should elect your husband?
Because he won’t be afraid to point out not only the positive but also the negative issues that the Party has to face up to, accept, change and – in some instances – apologise for if it hopes to reassert itself as a force to be reckoned with.
In what way does your husband help out at home?
He helps with the washing up and puts out the rubbish but, most importantly, he always makes me a reviving cup of tea when I come home from work!
Bio
Name: Frank George Portelli
Age: 73
Date of marriage: 27 August 1994
Profession: surgeon
Number of children: three
Home town: born in Hamrun but residing in St Paul’s Bay
Pets: one budgie, one dwarf rabbit, two cats and four chickens (and counting....!!)
Hobbies: fishing, boating, Maltese history and mastering the Rubik cube in the shortest time possible!
Linda Attard Said
Your husband is standing for a very dedicated role. How do you feel about this?
I completely support him. I knew what I was in for when I married Chris. We have been together for over 20 years and he has never taken a back seat when there was a challenge to be faced – and I have always been by his side.
How would your life actually change, were he to be elected?
I assume it would be similar to the time when he was Parliamentary Secretary, Minister or Secretary-General. I know Leader of the Opposition is bigger than all of these, and as he had always dedicated himself entirely to the job at hand in his past roles, he would do so again, if elected. I imagine that we would need to be extra careful to ensure that family life keeps moving smoothly, especially for our three children. That is always a top priority.
You are the best person to describe your husband on a more up-close-and-personal level. How would you describe him?
Definitely that, when he puts his mind to something, he gets it done and he gets it done right – even if it’s a home project. He is kind and helpful and always manages to find a solution for any problem that arises – whether it affects us as a family or the people who approach him as a lawyer or MP. At home, he enjoys spending time and playing with the kids and he’s very patient with them. I guess we’re all at our best when we’re on holiday together as a family and can relax – although his organisational skills still come to the fore on such occasions!
Is there a political issue about which you feel passionate?
Being an educator myself, as well as a parent, education is important to me. To succeed and be happy in life, children need to be loved and to receive a good education. Watching the different ways children learn and react to schooling exposes the challenges of this sector to which I have dedicated my career.
What was your reaction when your husband said he would be running for party leader and how did you learn about it?
There wasn't much of a reaction really, because it was something we discussed before he made his decision. As I said, I completely support him on this as I believe it was something he had to do for the party and the country at this point in time.
Can you give us one positive and one negative trait in your husband’s character?
Positive trait: he’s a doer – he knows what needs to be done and he knows how to go about it. Negative trait: he’s a workaholic!
Why do you think PN members should elect your husband?
Chris has been active in the party during both its hard times and in its better years and he has a clear vision of the steps needed to get the party back on track. As a leader, he has shown through various roles throughout his life, whether in local youth groups, football or national politics, that he has the charisma necessary to get people on board and get the ball rolling. Chris takes the trust people show in him very seriously – if elected leader, he will not let anyone down.
In what way does your husband help out at home?
When his work schedule allows it, he helps with the school run, paying bills and paperwork, shopping and even laundry. Besides that, he is always completely involved with the kids – whether it’s taking decisions, supporting their endeavours or discipline. My work schedule allows me to be at home with the kids after school and we also find a great deal of support from our parents who live close-by, when needed.
Bio
Name: Chris Said
Age: 47
Date of marriage: 1 August 1998
Profession: Lawyer & Politician
Hometown: Nadur
Number of children: three – two girls and a boy
Pets: Two cats – Beauty and Caramel
Hobbies: Reading, travelling and supporting his favourite football team