There is a person who seems to have handed in his resignation who deserves the thanks of the nation.

Recent reports said Emmanuel Ellul has recently resigned from head of the government’s privatization unit.

It was alleged Mr Ellul resigned after a clash of opinion with Minister Chris Cardona. This was officially denied by the minister but then it turned out that the medical certificate adduced as a reason for the resignation said Mr Ellul was suffering from ‘stress’.

Mr Ellul’s life career is a wonderful example for all. He began his working life as a worker at the Malta Drydocks but rose to become Governor of the Central Bank and later head of the Privatisation Unit. He was trusted and praised both by the Sant administration which appointed him to the Central Bank and by the Fenech Adami and Gonzi administrations who appointed him as head of the privatization unit.

In this latter post, he oversaw and saw through the many big privatizations there have been, including that of Mid-Med Bank, MIA, etc and while controversies surrounded each and any of these, never once was Mr Ellul’s and his team’s competence or transparency questioned.

As he now retires to his family, probably pottering around with his beloved boat in his Marsascala garage, Mr Ellul can and should look back on his career with pride. Many people who did far less than him have been submerged with honours and acclaim but Mr Camilleri kept such a low profile many probably have never heard of him.

Yet in the highly-specialised work he was doing, stress was always present. He recently testified in court that he never had problems as he faced during the MOBC privatization. Maybe there are other struggles he faced up to without ever complaining.

Whatever happened between Minister Cardona and him, it is now time for Mr Ellul to enjoy his retirement, which this paper heartily wishes for him.