Last Wednesday when Parliament discussed the nomination of Dr George Abela as President of Malta I was not present in Parliament. I was at Mater Dei Hospital, precisely at Neonatal and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit with my wife and other family members attending a two and a half year old nephew who was struggling for his life after falling ill very suddenly.

During the time of the sitting the condition of this child continued to deteriorate. Both the Prime Minister and whip were aware of these facts and I was immediately given their permission to remain at Mater Dei. Dr George Abela himself phoned me to enquire about this family member and to offer his support. Unfortunately this family member passed away yesterday evening.

The funeral is scheduled for this morning and thus I might be constrained to miss part or all of today’s sitting.

I feel I should clarify this matter to avoid further misinterpretation of this tragic event.