He was educated at the Government Primary School, Qala (from 1916 to 1922), the Gozo Seminary (from 1923 to 1927), St Aloysius' College Malta (from 1928 to 1930) and the University of Malta, where he graduated Bachelor of Arts in 1934, and Doctor of Laws in 1940.

During World War II (1942–1944), he served in the Maltese Police Force as an Inspector, and after he practised the law.

He embarked on a political career and was first elected to the Legislative Assembly for the Labour Party in 1955.

He was re-elected in all subsequent elections and held his seat in Parliament up to the time of his resignation in October 1976.

[citation needed] On 27 December 1976, he was elected as the second President of Malta to replace Sir Anthony Mamo.