Contrary to some people I have the misfortune to know, I do not find it difficult to praise someone who by thought, word, deed or action explained certain circumstances which prevented him from being at a certain place at a certain time even though his political preferences are different to mine.

I am referring to Mario Galea MP (TMID, 4 April) who was good enough to relate the tragic events which made him unable to be present when Parliament discussed the nomination of Dr George Abela as president on Wednesday 1 April, and again on Saturday 4 April when Dr Abela was actually sworn in as the new President of Malta.

Even though Mr Galea is “on the other side” so to speak, I will never forget how he was one of the first people to write a letter to me expressing his condolences on the death of my beloved father on 11 August, 2007.

Mr Galea, I am happy to say, is one of those rare people whom I can easily describe as a real gentleman. A person of genuine worth, a warm person with no pretences at being a cut above others. So very rare when one considers the snobbery of some people who fill me with revulsion every time I set eyes on them.

I do not profess to understand the agony of losing a nephew so tender in age, I can only just imagine it. My sincere condolences go to the devastated parents and the whole family including the family of Mr Galea.

God must have noted that there were not enough angels in heaven and decided that he wanted a beautiful two and a half year old boy by his side.

VALERIE BORG

Valletta