'I face the new term with optimism' - Debono

In the general election held on March 8, Giovanna Debono was again elected to Parliament and, following the Nationalist Party's victory, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi has again entrusted her with the running of the Ministry of Gozo.

This is the third time that Ms Debono has been appointed Minister for Gozo.

And in the same week she became the first woman to be acting Prime Minister, since Dr Gonzi and the Deputy Prime Minister attended the European Council in Brussels.

Ms Debono, in comments to The Sunday Times, expressed her gratitude and satisfaction at the overwhelming support she has again received from the Gozo electorate.

Ms Debono remarked that, most importantly, her personal performance together with that of all the PN candidates, managed to make a considerable contribution to the Nationalist Party in order to secure another term of office. "This achievement also highlights the responsibility entrusted to the party in government to ensure a better future for our islands", the minister said.

About her reappointment as minister responsible for Gozo affairs, Ms Debono said she was more than pleased on being chosen yet again. Through the Gozo Ministry, the island has gained a voice at a high administrative level and this gives much weight to the person holding the post, she said. One only has to look at the proposals made in the PN's electoral programme to realise the importance which this government is giving to its vision for Gozo, she added.

"My main priority is to continue to achieve results which will benefit Gozo and the Gozitans. Despite the amount of work involved, I face the new term of office with optimism and faith, seeing that my endeavours, together with the collaboration of all those involved, will lead to better prospects for our island and our people.

"I will give utmost priority to all that was proposed in the party's electoral programme, particularly the ambition to make Gozo an ecological island. This programme gives maximum importance to Gozo mainly in its environmental, economic, employment and tourism sectors.

"These will continue to enjoy priority in our strategy without in any way reducing the importance we have always given to health, education and social welfare. Through our determined commitment, while keeping continuous contact with the people, we will be securing a better quality of life for all Gozitans", the minister said.

Ms Debono said she wanted to thank her family and those close to her for their support.