PM questions Sant's motives

Eddie Fenech Adami yesterday challenged Labour leader Alfred Sant to reveal his motives after the latter once again claimed the prime minister did not intend to respect the outcome of the general election.

Dr Fenech Adami told journalists he would not interpret the election result in the same way Dr Sant interpreted the referendum, claiming victory despite the 53.6 per cent yes majority.

Dr Fenech Adami said he was astonished by Dr Sant's statements.

"How can anybody say I will not observe the election result? Is he, by any chance, planning to repeat what he did in the referendum and claim victory in the election if he loses and then go to the extent of calling me undemocratic.

"You (Dr Sant) should explain what you mean," Dr Fenech Adami said.

Dr Fenech Adami spoke on his party's electoral programme, launched last Saturday, which he said would ensure a thriving community.

He said the electoral programme contained policies that emphasised the importance of civil society and the building of an inclusive society.

The Nationalist government would continue on the strategy of redirecting the shipyards towards viability.

Dr Fenech Adami said it was incredible that the Labour Party still talked of drug scandals when it was a well-known fact that the police and security service had worked wonders to clamp down on drug trafficking.

Speaking at another activity in Valletta in the evening, Dr Fenech Adami said it was no surprise that the Association of General Retailers and Traders had pronounced itself in favour of membership: it had realised that the EU would bring new opportunities to the self-employed.

He hit out at the MLP, a party he accused of being in panic and disarray, this being particularly evident from its electoral campaign billboards.

Dr Fenech Adami said the electorate would be voting for a national movement in favour of Europe on April 12.

In a cautious tone, Dr Fenech Adami said that every vote mattered in the coming election, at the same time expressing optimism that "we will get there".

Other speakers at the meeting included Nationalist MPs Austin Gatt, Edwin Vassallo, Tony Abela and Ninu Zammit.