On Friday (today), news broke about the passing of Former Labour Party Deputy Leader and lawyer Joe Brincat, at the age of 80.

Dr Brincat also served as the Minister for Justice, Lands, Housing and Parliamentary Affairs. Furthermore, while the Labour Party was in Opposition, he was made Shadow Minister for Justice.

The lawyer studied at the Seminary and the Lyceum and also joined the Friars Minor.

Later, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Latin, Philosophy and English Literature from the University of London.

After leaving the Order, Dr Brincat embarked on a long journey spanning different careers. He worked as a teacher, a civil servant in the customs and port department and as Deputy Registrar in Court.

Eventually, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Economics and later a Bachelor of Laws.

Up until recently, he still led a live radio programme on Labour-owned radio station One Radio.

Prime Minister Robert Abela paid tribute to Dr Brincat and noted his extensive contributions within the Labour Party, Parliament and Labour-led Governments.

“His efforts towards accomplishing justice and socialist principles were crucial character traits,” he said.

The Prime Minister noted that he always had an admiration for his honesty and tenacity in his profession where he was “a formidable opponent in court, but always loyal.”

Justice Minister Jonathan Attard also bid farewell to Dr Brincat. He remarked that he remained in contact with him up until his health took a turn for the worse, not only “in a sense of friendship, but also because he was a point of reference with his legal and political experience.”

“Especially when it comes to certain reforms that we are currently working on,” Minister Attard concluded.