Another Nationalist Party-led government would focus its efforts on encouraging more investment in Gozo, especially in five-star hotels, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said yesterday.

What did the Labour Party ever do for Gozo?

Dr Gonzi said he was proposing simplifying the planning authority process to fast-track such projects which would not only create more employment opportunities for Gozitans but also improve the tourism product Gozo offered. Dr Gonzi was speaking at a political activity in Xaghra last night, where he was interviewed by singer Deborah C.

He said Gozo had more advantages than Malta in terms of its beauty and landscapes but also had disadvantages which needed to be addressed.

He spoke about the proposed tunnel, which is being studied, and another proposal for a direct, fast ferry service linking Gozo to the Grand Harbour.

“What did the Labour Party ever do for Gozo?” he asked, as he listed the various projects the Government carried out on the island over the years.

He said the Nationalist Party had already unveiled some 18 proposals to create more employment opportunities in Gozo for Gozitans and promised to continue earmarking 10 per cent of EU funds Malta received for projects in Gozo.

He explained how earlier yesterday, he had inaugurated the new Employment and Training Corporation in Gozo which was setting up a job bank and which had specific schemes for Gozitans.

He said the government was proposing that new Gozo businesses which employed at least two Gozitans could receive a rebate on its income tax.

“None of this would be possible without sound finances,” he said.

He said Malta had among the lowest income tax rates and he was proposing to continue driving them down.

In a lighter moment, he was asked about his favourite music and whether he found time to rest. He said he liked all genres of music but that whenever he needed to concentrate, he chose music without lyrics.