AD presents itself as force against partisan pique

The presence of Alternattiva Demokratika representatives on local councils was serving to reduce polarisation and to increase cooperation between councillors of different political beliefs, AD's secretary general Stephen Cachia said yesterday.

He said the party's candidates for the next local elections were receiving "very positive feedback".

Speaking during a public meeting in Sliema, he said: "Our councillors are also working hard to give a voice to the residents' needs and concerns. At local level AD is putting its consistent commitment towards environmental and social justice and is bringing about a change for the better".

Mr Cachia said two clear examples of cases in which the party was defending residents' quality of life was the proposed car park in Qui-Si-Sana, Sliema and the possible loss of a playing field in Birkirkara which could be replaced by hundreds of garages.

AD chairman Harry Vassallo emphasised the need for a new way of doing politics and added that AD would be the catalyst of a change for the better.

"This is another opportunity in our political scene to bring about this much needed change. Together we can overcome the stagnant bipolar system and ensure that Malta becomes a fully fledged European democracy.

"In these elections voters will not be electing a national government but local councils which should put the needs of the residents first. They are not obliged to vote for the lesser evil but voters should choose the candidates who can best represent their interests," he said.

Dr Vassallo said local councils were an instrument that could drastically improve the quality of life of all people in Malta and Gozo.

"The country has to break away from the partisan pique and bi-polarisation which has dominated our political scene and led the country to stagnation.

"Alternattiva Demokratika is the catalyst for a new political era based on consensus, unity and transparency in public administration," he said.