Magistrate Caroline Farrugia Frendo said she was “serene” despite the controversy surrounding her appointment.

She was sworn in magistrate this afternoon, some two months after being nominated. At the time of her nomination, Dr Farrugia Frendo did not satisfy the constitutional requirement for a minimum seven years practicing experience.

Asked about the controversy after the ceremony held at the Palace in Valletta, Dr Farrugia Frendo said she had heard what everybody had to say but insisted it would not impact her behaviour as magistrate.

At the ceremony, Chief Justice Silvio Camilleri gave her a glowing tribute, adding he had seen her – as a lawyer – make strong submissions in front of the Appeals Court.

“I am certain that you will shoulder the weight this career carries in a dignified way, similar to the dignified approach I have seen you take in the Appeals Court,” Dr Camilleri said.

He added: “I’m not sure you should thank anyone for this appointment because it comes with great responsibilities and a lot of criticism, which you would have to absorb in silence.”

Dr Farrugia Frendo is Speaker Anġlu Farrugia’s daughter.

A second magistrate nominated at the same time – Ingrid Zerafa Young – withdrew her nomination after it transpired that her appointment could have breached the Constitution since she was a member of the Employment Commission.

In a short comment, President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca emphasised the need to give children and vulnerable people better access to the justice system. “Children should have the right to be heard,” she said.