Continuing his campaign for the Labour Party leadership last night at Ta' Qali, MEP Joseph Muscat told hundreds of party delegates, members, activists and residents of the first, eighth and ninth districts: "We are not interested in the past that divides us but in the future that unites us."

Dr Muscat pledged to seek party unity after the leadership contest was over. He said: "Now we are choosing and afterwards we will work together", adding that the other contestants for the Labour leadership had an important role to play in the party. "If I am elected I will ensure that they will have a central role."

He underlined the need for a progressive and moderate movement to make Malta the best in Europe in different fields, including the area of health care.

He said that patients should be given new rights to cut down on waiting lists. "We must all believe we can be a winning generation," he stated.

Gynaecologist Mark Sant, who also addressed the activity, said that as a Labour supporter who voted in favour of Malta's EU membership, he is seeking an alternative in a Labour Party led by a person who knows how the European institutions work and has a long-term vision.

"Joseph Muscat appeals to and understands the younger electorate and first-time voters," Dr Sant said.

Former Labour deputy leader George Vella also spoke at the meeting, stressing the need for the party to have a new vision.