Members of the Maltese public who was present at today’s ceremony for newly-elected President of Malta Myriam Spiteri Debono have said that she was the best choice to take on the role.

Spiteri Debono was sworn in as the 11th President of the Republic on Thursday after outgoing President George Vella ended his five-year tenure.

The Malta Independent went to Valletta to ask people whether the choice of Spiteri Debono, was the best choice for the role of President of Malta.

"Not only is it the right choice, but it was also shown with facts. The two parties agreed on the choice, both government and Opposition, so I do not believe it was the wrong choice," one elderly man said when asked.

Another said that the reason he came to Valletta today was to watch the ceremony held this morning.

"I believe that she is someone who does not only look at one side but looks out for everyone. That is something interesting, and very important for our country," he said.

He added that Spiteri Debono was the right choice, as both parties, "the red," and "the blue", were all present at the ceremony, showing support for the new President.

One woman who was watching the ceremony in St George's Square said that Spiteri Debono was the right choice, as she is "a serious woman, a woman who loves Malta and will do good for the country."

A young girl also gave her input on the newly-elected Head of State, saying that she believes Spiteri Debono can "help Malta be better."

An elderly man said that Spiteri Debono was the right choice, as she had made a career in Parliament.

"Secondly, she made an example (of herself), and has good qualifications. I believe she is right for the job," he continued, reiterating that she was the right choice, and is admired by many.

When asked if Spiteri Debono was the best choice to be Malta's 11th President, one woman said she was unsure if it was the "best" choice, yet it was a good one.

A man who was at the frontlines of the crowd watching the ceremony said that Spiteri Debono was an "excellent" choice, having come across her in her career as a notary.

"She has the capacity to listen. If there is an argument, she will listen to both sides of the story. She wants to be precise and certain of what she will say before giving her thoughts and advice," he said.

He continued that Spiteri Debono, due to her vast experience, is mature enough to know how to interfere when there is something heated. The fact that the two sides of the House were unanimous on their decision to appoint her meant that she was clearly the right choice, he said.

Another man said that Spiteri Debono was, in his opinion, the right choice for President. He said he knew her in her role as Speaker from 1996 to 1998.

"I know that she knows her business and is just," he said.

He said that "unity" between all should be Spiteri Debono's priority, especially by "removing the red and the blue," which is "what is dividing the country."

"That is what is dividing us Maltese. Otherwise, there are none other like us," he said.

Another young girl who was watching the ceremony with her father was asked, in her thoughts, what the new President's priority should be.

"Unite the public," she said.

When asked what Spiteri Debono should focus on as her first priority in the Presidency, one man said that while he did not understand much about the Presidency, he said that there is much that could be done.

When asked what should be done, he said that, "they should know what needs to be done."

"The first thing that should be done is meet with the two parties together, and where there is needless fighting, or else things which are not going well in the country, she should be the person which, with her strength and her disciplined character, looks into it, and maybe the country can continue moving forward," one man said on Spiteri Debono's first expected priorities.

The first priority for one woman was, "the Maltese people." She said that the Maltese and Gozitan people must always be put first, even with regards to jobs. "We are Maltese and Malta is ours," she said.

One woman said that she wanted Spiteri Debono's first priority to "bring some peace between the Maltese, hopefully."