John Dalli

John Dalli (born 1948) is a Maltese backbench MP with the Nationalist Party and a former Minister in varous Governments.

Qualified as an accountant, Dalli worked in the private sector occupying high level management positions in Malta and abroad, both in industry and as an independent consultant.

Dalli was first elected to Parliament in 1987, and since then he was re elected four other successive times: in 1992, 1996, 1998 and 2003. He has served as Parliamentary Secretary for Industry (1987-90), Minister of Finance (1990-96 and again 1998-2004) and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Investment Promotion (2004). During his lengthy tenure of the Ministry of Finance (the longest in Maltese political history) Dalli is best remembered for his modernisation of the taxation system, especially with the introduction of VAT in 1994.

In February 2004 Dalli contested the election for the leadership of the Nationalist Party but was unsuccessful. He resigned from government after serving as foreign minister for three months from April to July 2004.

Dalli is still a Member of Parliament and writes a popular column in the local Sunday newspapers.