Simon Busuttil was re-elected to the European Parliament this morning with a record 68,782 votes, 9,883 more than when he was elected for the first time five years ago. The quota was 41,362.

He was elected shortly after 4 a.m. As in 2004, he was the only candidate to be elected from the first count.

Dr Busuttil in the eyes of both friends and foes, distinguished himself in the European Parliament in the past five years.

Over the past weeks he spearheaded the PN electoral campaign, and two months ago raised eyebrows when he admitted that the PN could be at risk of losing the second seat in the European Parliament.

A lawyer by profession, specialising in EU law, Dr Busuttil entered the political fray in his student years, having been president of the Christian Democrat Students. He was also active in the University Students' Council. Prior to EU membership he formed part of the core group in the EU accession process and headed the Malta EU Information Centre. In the European Parliament, Dr Busuttil was particularly active in budgetary affairs, immigration policy, Euro-Mediterranean policy and the citizens' EU rights.

Dr Busuttil is married,with two sons.

In brief comments as he was congratulated in the counting hall, he thanked the people for their confidence and promised he will be doing his utmost to live up to the trust shown in him.

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