President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca has pledged to continue speaking against division in the country, within the "limits" granted to her by the Constitution.

"I want to promise the Maltese that I will continue speaking out to ensure we beat every form of division so we can remain united, so we can build a better country for our children."

In her message on Christmas Eve, the President admitted that the country is still rife with prejudice.

"Children tell me they are bullied, discarded, even excluded at school and in their communities. I'm talking about children with single parents, from gay and adoptive couples, foster families, those seeking protection, families of prisoners, those with problems of mental health, those living in institutions."

She urged the people to use Malta's presidency of the EU council as a chance to express unity, peace and respect.

The EU presidency should not be considered solely as exclusive to the authorities but all citizens should take part. 

"Let's work together to better our country, where dialogue replaces division, where friendship replaces hatred, where respect always wins over conflict," the President said.