Former Nationalist Finance and Economic Services Minister George Bonello Dupuis passed away yesterday at the age of 82.

A notary by profession, Dr Bonello Dupuis served as of Finance Minister after the 1987 elections and as Minister of Economic Services between 1992 and 1995. He was also High Commissioner of Malta for the UK between 1998 and 2004 and served as Sliema Wanderers president between 1962 and 1987, as well as between 1995 and 1996.

He entered politics with the Christian Workers' Party in 1966 and was first elected as a Nationalist Party member in Parliament in 1971.

He was returned to Parliament in the 1976, 1981, 1987 and 1992 elections.

Dr Bonello du Puis also served for many years as PN treasurer and will be remembered for the income tax reforms introduced in the first Eddie Fenech Adami government and his sense of humour. Recently, he told off MP's who fussed over losing their posts and told them that when political leaders have had enough of you, "It's time to retire gracefully".

He is survived by his wife Iris, two sons and a daughter.

In a lengthy statement, the Nationalist Party paid respect to Dr Bonello Dupuis praising him for the achievements he made for the country through politics of vision, politics which gave people choice, and practical politics which brought on change in daily lives.