Pope Francis's demise this week, as expected, has swept across the world media landscape, as wall to wall coverage of the much beloved Pontiff's life is honoured. He was a great man, who will be missed.
However, this week we lost another great Francis, who also touched the lives of many, albeit on a local level, through politics. I am of course referring to the sad passing of Francis Zammit Dimech, one of the last remaining exponents of a different brand of politics. His legacy remains in the memories of a gentle giant of local politics who remained loyal to his constituents, the Nationalist Party, and kept his feet solidly planted on the ground.
My family from my father's side is from Sliema, Balluta more specifically, so Francis and all the names on the all-star ballot ticket of the 10th District, were always familiar faces to that side of the family. Francis however would stand out for his quick wit, disarming charisma, and drive to help. When I met him the first time, as an aspiring politician, and told him who my father's family were, I didn't expect him to remember any specifics about them, yet he remembered all their names, full address, and even supplied a small anecdote for good measure. As a politician who takes house-visits and contact with my constituents very seriously, I can vouch for how impressive that is, especially since they had moved out of Sliema several decades earlier!
Francis's relationship with the electorate was very special. He had a unique way of engaging in dialogue, in a respectful, clear and convincing way. He had a special way of proposing his arguments, never forceful, never loud. His gentle touch drew scores to him, and he was generous to transform this incredible energy into a driving force for good, during subsequent Nationalist administrations.
As Parliamentary Secretary, Minister, Member of the European Parliament, Secretary General, Acting President, and countless other roles and involvements he held throughout his life, he always sought to win the hearts and minds of his opponents, often opting for the slightly longer road of dialogue, knowing full well that it is better to bring as many people on board as possible.
He knew he was a stalwart of the Nationalist Party, one of the architects of the golden years of the Fenech Adami-Gonzi administrations, yet he remained humble. 'Politics is not about me,' he would always repeat to anyone who would listen, 'it is a mission of service to others.'
These words, he lived by, through every action of his, remaining loyal to the Maltese people, and the Nationalist Party, even when the going got very tough indeed. He was someone you could count on.
Later, I had the privilege of joining the law firm where he was founding partner, where I still practice, so I got to know the man from closer quarters. What I can say is that his gentle way was never a front, his approach was genuine
We have lost three unique gentlemen in a very short time indeed, coincidentally all hailing from the same neck of the woods. Karl Gouder, Robert Arrigo, and Francis Zammit Dimech were the kind of people who could bring a smile to the most assiduous opponent, and perhaps even score the point. I don't want to think that theirs is a dying brand of politics, we cannot accept that.
In fact, we must take moments like these to reflect on why these men were so universally respected, for their sterling work but also for their approach. We must understand what their secret was, and emulate it as far and wide as possible, if we want to lift some of the toxicity that sometimes descends on our political debate.
On behalf of my family, I extend my deepest condolences to Francis' loved ones and wish them strength at this moment of sorrow.
Dr Darren Carabott is the Opposition's Shadow Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Reforms, and President of the Public Accounts Committee