It was high time that Eddie Fenech Adami resigned as prime minister and not just as party leader, according to a vox pop carried out in Republic Street, Valletta, yesterday.

Though practically all those questioned said they admired him, the majority believed the country needed new blood, a person who would inspire the young generation.

There were mixed views about who should be the next prime minister, though Social Policy Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Finance Minister John Dalli were clearly the two favourites.

Those questioned did not even mention the names of other contenders in the leadership race and the only names they uttered were "Gonzi" and "Dalli".

A few went as far as to say that ideally the prime minister should be a completely new face, somebody who did not have a past within the party. A managing director from Naxxar, one of the many questioned, said Dr Fenech Adami's reaction, after Meinrad Calleja was cleared of complicity in the attempted murder of Richard Cachia Caruana, was absurd.

"I had a lot of faith in him but now his time is up and I believe he should step down as prime minister. I would like to see a new face at the helm, as I do not believe those contesting the post have the right qualities," he said.

A university professor also felt it was high time that Dr Fenech Adami resigned and expressed his belief that Dr Gonzi was the prime minister's ideal replacement.

"Dr Gonzi is a person of integrity and I am sure he will grow in the post. Apart from that he has already shown leadership qualities," he said.

A housewife from San Gwann echoed those sentiments and said that while Dr Fenech Adami had successfully led Malta for many years it was time he stepped down.

A retired businessman and his wife from Birzebbuga said the current economic situation had led to uncertainty and insecurity and the country needed new blood to move ahead.

"I believe Mr Dalli is the right man for the job. He has strong qualities, which I think Dr Gonzi lacks," they said.

Another businessman from San Gwann begged to differ and said he "cringed" whenever he heard Mr Dalli's name being mentioned as the next possible leader.

"What the country needs is an outstanding, dynamic individual, someone like Eddie used to be in the 1980s. I have honestly given up looking for an alternative within the Nationalist Party but considering those in the race I would say that Dr Gonzi seems to be a man of principle. We need somebody to stand up and inspire young people," he said.

On the other hand, an executive from Naxxar considered Dr Gonzi as a grey man and a person whom the public did not know much about.

"True, Dr Gonzi has taken on some tough assignments but his charisma has not shone through. Though Mr Dalli is perceived as brash, I am sure he can temper these qualities and learn a bit more diplomacy once he becomes prime minister. I believe his attitude is his strength," he said.

He added that Dr Fenech Adami should remain prime minister until May 1 when Malta joined the EU. "This would be the zenith of his career and the perfect time to step down as leader."

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