Labour MEP Joseph Muscat yesterday made it clear that the only thing on his agenda was contesting the post of MLP leader on June 5.

Dr Muscat was reacting to a story on TVM's main news bulletin on Friday evening, which suggested that pressure was being piled on the MEP to stand aside in favour of George Abela.

Speaking at a news conference, which was announced before the TVM news bulletin, Mr Muscat said: "All I can say is that on June 5 I will be submitting my candidature for leadership... Who knows how many efforts there are going on from different people," he said.

Asked if the national television station was being used indirectly to support particular candidates in the race, Dr Muscat smiled and said that, on the contrary, it was being used "directly".

"I expected better, especially when considering that I sent a clear statement declaring that I will be contesting the leadership. But let's give everybody the benefit of the doubt... After all, this is part of a rapprochement with all the media," he said.

"I meet the other contenders regularly; we're all part of one party and one family. Whoever wins, I'm convinced the remaining four will back the leader," he said, during the launch of his programme for the party.

The words 'Joseph Muscat: A Winning Generation' emblazoned the backdrop of the leadership hopeful as he presented his vision for a new political era yesterday.

Dr Muscat, 34, one of five candidates contesting the leadership race, stressed that his vision was geared towards having a party that embraced progressives and moderates.

"Labour wants to attain and surpass the environmental, economic, social and European aspirations of all Maltese and Gozitans," he said, as he highlighted his vision of 40 ambitious proposals.

Speaking at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta, Dr Muscat said that to achieve this vision, the party needed the courage to open up to this new political era.

These proposals would be implemented by relocating existing resources within 24 months, to enable the party to renew itself.

One thing he will be pressing is the need for greater transparency in political party funding, and he feels it was high time to implement the 1994 Galdes report which tackled this issue.

While insisting that these proposals were open for discussion, Dr Muscat said that as a leadership candidate he felt duty-bound to present a clear vision and proposals. "On June 5, it should not simply be a choice among names. This is a debate of vision and ideas. This is a time when Labour has to choose which direction it wants to take and what role it wants in our society," he said.

This vision goes hand in hand with his decision to start addressing weekly meetings for party delegates, members, activists and the public, starting at Villa Overhills, Birżebbuġa, on Friday at 8 p.m.

The proposal closest to his heart is the one that recommends setting up a Forum of Ideas, where the public could voice its opinions and suggestions on Labour's policies.

"On March 9 (the day after the general election), it's as if a switch went off in people's minds that they wanted to go beyond being merely armchair critics, instead preferring to enter a movement. I'm convinced that by opening the party, we can involve new people," he said.

The first proposal is pushing for a positive and proactive party, with an open dialogue with the government, which placed the national interest first. The party would have a strong online presence, a working group that analysed the party's broadcasting situation, and would consider setting up a second radio frequency aimed at young people.

The party's strategic, administrative and operational structures had to become more significant and function according to the complex needs of today's society.

The party needed to be in constant contact with society and one way of achieving this was through establishing a call centre, and creating a programme where different sections of society could have constant contact with the party.

The party would also offer new opportunities to those seeking to broaden their horizons, by offering bursaries to promising youngsters, and training party people.

Dr Muscat was also keen to see the party strengthen its green credentials by using cleaner and alternative energy sources and generating less waste.

"I appeal to everyone to be united in what we need to do so that Labour will become a real alternative for the country... I believe together we can, and we will," he said.