Labour would have posed major danger - PM

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi yesterday extended an invitation to the opposition to work together to bring about a quality leap in the country's political reality and continue pushing the country forward.

He opened his arms to the Labour Party to participate constructively in the country's debate and not put spokes in the wheels every time a proposal is made, as was the case during the last legislature.

Dr Gonzi was speaking at the Nationalist Party's general council at the Westin Dragonara Resort, St Julians, called to analyse the March 8 election result. To a standing ovation, Dr Gonzi was confirmed party leader while Deputy Prime Minister Tonio Borg, the only nominee, was also confirmed in his post.

Important lessons had to be learnt from the March 8 election, particularly the confusion and void that was emerging within the MLP. The Maltese could have had a government that lacks a policy of substance and was dominated by negativity, Dr Gonzi said.

The MLP would have posed a major danger had it been elected, he said.

"To lead, you need to have a serious policy," he said, referring to the opposition's proposal to half the fuel surcharge in the light of the government's forecast of the explosion of prices over recent days.

Another lesson learnt was that a politician had to have the courage to bow his head and change his position.

The fundamental difference between the two parties also emerged clearly, showing that the MLP focused on attacking individuals instead of adopting a style that focused on the positive aspect.

"I hope the MLP has realised that the time for mud-slinging is over," he said.

Dr Gonzi stressed the importance of the PN's values, saying they should be the point of departure rather than victory. Everyone could find a natural place in the party's values.He insisted that the electoral system, which had been amended by the Electoral Commission, needed to be remedied as it had brought about a false result that had to be adjusted using the constitutional amendments in order to increase the PN seats.

Although the government had a sound track record, Dr Gonzi admitted its mistakes, saying that its years in office would have affected the electorate and that it could have been more sensitive.

Explanation was lacking, he said, particularly to those who were refused something that was not necessarily theirs by right.

The PN would be reforming and renewing itself with new party officials, he said, insisting on the need for young blood, even among activists.

The party would be open to dialogue and ideas, even if it did not necessarily agree with and did not implement them. Even the MLP's contribution was required in the debate, he said.

The government would be focusing on good governance, being open and transparent and reaching high ethical standards. It was making a social pact with the country for sustainable development, he said.

One of the major challenges in the near future was to continue offering the best opportunities for youths from every sector of society, Dr Gonzi said.