As one Minister left, another former Minister entered to re-establish his position in politics.

The accusations about the doubtful handling of the tender for the automatic bus-ticketing machines in the 19921996 Nationalist administration had dented his credibility.

Although he was elected in 1996, the former Transport Minister was not elected in 1998 and had to wait till 1999 to get his parliamentary seat back in a by-election.

It was only last April that Dr Frendo was given the post of Parliamentary Secretary in the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

The cautious approach typical of those people who are given a second chance was evident in Michael Frendo’s comments to the press after he was sworn in as Foreign Affairs Minister yesterday afternoon.

“My first reaction was: ‘This is a huge responsibility.’ But I will carry out my duties with humility and the determination to do everything that will be of benefit to my country, as well as to justify the trust that the Prime Minister has in me.

“This is an area which interests me and I will do my utmost to give the best contribution. We must work hard, both in the European Union as well as in international foreign affairs to ensure the best benefits for our country.”

Asked whether he had expected this appointment, Dr Frendo said: “This was something that came out of the blue. The appointment was very sudden. In an hour, I found myself at the President’s Palace.”

Asked whether he was unhappy about the way his predecessor had resigned his post, Minister Frendo said: “One can never be pleased with somebody else’s adverse circumstances and I do not feel this is something I can comment on.”