Why I will stand

For some it may come as a surprise. For others a natural step. But for my family and myself it has certainly been a hard decision. On June 12 this year, my name will be on the ballot paper when the Maltese electorate will vote, for the first time, in a European parliament election.

I have been approached personally, first by the outgoing prime minister and later by the incoming one. And I am humbled by their confidence in me.

I will contest on the platform of the Nationalist Party because I identify with its vision and courage on Europe and with its position at the centre of the political spectrum.

To be sure this election will not be about party politics or local issues. It will not be about red or blue. It will be about how we, as a nation, can face the challenge of EU membership and make the best of it. It will be about how we can use membership as a tool to achieve a higher standard of living for our society, not just economically, but also socially and culturally. And do so sooner rather than later.

I will stand because I also identify with the objectives of the European Union; the promotion of peace, values and prosperity. And I see our country making these objectives its own. Not that they are easy to achieve.

We all know how peace in the Mediterranean region remains elusive. We live in a region of turbulence. Yet, I am confident that as EU members we can, and should, contribute to peace and lasting stability in our region in a much more effective manner than we have done so far. Because we will have the clout of 24 like-minded countries behind us.

Our values live under constant threat from the realities of modern society. Yet, there is no better way of strengthening our values than by putting them to the test of openness. We cannot defend our values by building a wall and isolate ourselves from the rest of the world. Opening up to others will help us appreciate better who we are, our strengths and our weaknesses.

As to prosperity, EU membership presents us with an unprecedented opportunity to get on the fast lane and improve our economic performance more rapidly. And to translate this into a more prosperous society. Of course, we must work hard to get there. We must go through the sacrifice and the discipline that are needed in all endeavours that are worth pursuing. During this transition, we must encourage those who go for it but equally support those who risk falling by the wayside.

But that is precisely why EU membership is good for Malta. Because it helps us go through the transition with the comfort of its support, its experience and, why not, with its financial assistance. Let there be no mistake. Without membership we would still have had to do it. But on our own.

In a few weeks' time, the long sought goal of EU membership will become a reality. This is a time to rise to the occasion as a nation, a united nation.

In June we shall not be electing individuals to represent us as Nationalists or as Labourites. But to represent us as Maltese. As a united country.

We cannot afford to do otherwise. We should elect representatives who can help us make the best of membership. Not representatives who are still ambiguous about whether we should be in or out. With just five seats we do not have that luxury.

As a member of the European parliament, I offer to stand for one simple objective; to contribute so that we can all make a success out of EU membership.

Over the past years, I had the privilege of participating in the EU accession process when I was in charge of Malta's public communications strategy and a member of Malta's core negotiating team. I have been fortunate to acquire knowledge and experience on the meaning of the EU and of EU membership. And on the issues that are of specific concern to Malta. I am now putting this knowledge and experience to the availability of the Maltese society which, come June, must select its representatives in Europe. I am putting myself to the test of the electorate and I seek your mandate to be your representative.

Over the past years, I have stood up to be counted. And I am honoured to do so again.