Country's future at stake, Gonzi warns

The future of the country and that of its people and their children depended on the outcome of this general election, where the choice is between stability under a Nationalist government and uncertainty under a Labour Administration, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi warned yesterday.

Speaking in Żabbar during the second mass meeting in this the electoral campaign, Dr Gonzi warned people that their vote will make a big difference.

"The PN is innovative and has a clear vision for this country. The MLP is offering nothing new but just ideas to turn the clock back 20 years. Together, everything is possible. This is not just a slogan. The PN is not negative and always looked ahead in the country's best interest. Make sure you make the right choice," he said.

He spoke at length about what the PN was proposing in its electoral manifesto which included no fewer than 353 ideas to make the country stronger, nicer and more competitive.

"The PN is proud of its history because it has always made the right decision in the country's interest. The PN changed the country. In 1987, we told the people to choose PN and we will change the country for the better. Twenty years later this is the country we have. Malta's economy is flourishing, there are good employment opportunities and good social services. This is our country," he said.

With reference to a recent declaration from the Labour camp that the Nationalists have something wrong in the DNA, Dr Gonzi said the PN never split the country between the good and the bad. Such a declaration and others, such as that the MLP will be a government for Labourites, worry the people. "There is dire need for another PN government. Everyone has to be careful to make the right choice on March 8, the anniversary of when the same people said yes to Europe," he said.

Dr Gonzi spoke about the government's achievements adding that these had to be protected with a vote for the PN.

Dr Gonzi urged the people to compare the two main parties contesting this general election and weight what each were proposing. He mentioned the MLP's proposal to remove income tax on overtime, which will be paid at normal rates rather than at time-and-a-half. He also mentioned MLP deputy leader Charles Mangion's statement that a Labour government would reduce social benefits to make up for the interests the country would have to pay on its debt.

Referring to Labour's promise to slash 50 per cent of the surcharge, he wondered what stand would the MLP take in the case of the 30,000 families who do not pay the surcharge.

Dr Gonzi said that, in its economic regeneration document, the MLP proposed to make students pay for their education, cut bonuses by €10 and tax people's second property. This is MLP's secret plan, he insisted.

The police are investigating an incident that took place before the PN mass meeting when a number of bottles were hurled at cars in Hompesch Road, Fgura. Nobody was injured in the incident.