PN launches European parliament campaign

Prime Minister and Nationalist Party leader Lawrence Gonzi expressed the hope that the European parliament elections campaign would steer away from partisan politics as he unveiled his party's electoral campaign yesterday.

However, Dr Gonzi urged the electorate to reflect deeply on which party had remained consistent in its foreign policy and to elect those candidates that would best serve the country in the European context.

With the PN's eight candidates in the background, Dr Gonzi inaugurated the six-week campaign with the theme Iva Nikbru fl-Ewropa (Yes, Let's grow in Europe).

The president of the European Parliament, Pat Cox, recently cautioned against what he described as the "Maltese polarised mentality" as candidates would not achieve what they were meant to.

The Prime Minister urged the electorate to scan the list of candidates well to make sure they are the best suited to serve Malta.

"We can't have people that work only on the defence but we need ones that can exploit the advantages.

"Our representatives will not be going to the European parliament on the misconception that foreigners are trying to put spokes in Malta's wheels, as the Labour Party is arguing," Dr Gonzi said.

Asked whether he believed the country's economic hiccups could dent the PN's chances at the polls, Dr Gonzi said he was convinced the electorate realised that the government was making a concerted effort to eliminate the country's troubles.

"The government is restructuring itself and dealing with all its corporations and companies to make sure they stop soaking up millions. And I am sure that, ultimately, people support what we are doing."

Dr Gonzi said that one had to keep in mind that those elected on the PN ticket would form part of the European People's Party, the largest group in the European parliament.