In the coming days there will probably be countless write-ups about the recently deceased Dr Karl Chircop. People from all walks of life will write to explain how they knew the man personally, what a conscientious practitioner he was, a wonderful husband and father, a quiet though always alert politician “playing” the rules of the “game” of politics with the utmost sincerity and honesty.

The difference between others who write about Dr Chircop and I is that I didn’t know him all that much. Face to face, I must have spoken to him only about four times though he often paused to wave whenever he saw me passing by. On numerous occasions I saw him on the 1 May and other Labour activities, but that’s about all. I felt I had to write about Dr Chircop though, because there was something unique and rather special about him.

It is something which others should have and don’t, something others with letters following their name should have and don’t, something parents should teach their children... and don’t. The art of humility. How many politicians do we know who cross the road to speak to you if the general election is years away? I bet one could count them on one hand. How many politicians, or anyone belonging to the political class, would wave and smile at you as you walk by even if he did not contest the general election in your district?

Dr Chircop was humility itself with a capital H. He was a highly delightful person whose smile was in a permanent position on his face regardless of which political party they were with. He never made out to be a demi-god just because he was elected to Parliament on three consecutive times.

Not once did Dr Chircop allow himself to feel he was a cut above others who were not in the public eye. A real man like Dr Chircop is not called so because he wears a suit but by his demonstrative actions. Oh what a wonderful world it would be if others copied his humility! Have a safe and jubilant journey until you reach your destination Karl.

May God be with you.

Valerie Borg

Valletta