PN deputy leader Simon Busuttil this morning dodged questions as to whether the PN would publish its accounts dating back to 2004, saying the PL was "trying to change the argument" in making the challenge.

"People want to know what the man who might be Prime Minister in a month's time makes of the serious accusations made by Anglu Farrugia, that big contractors are dictating Labour's policy. And instead I'm asked a question that ignores the seriousness of it all," Dr Busuttil said when asked whether previous PN accounts would see the light of day.

The PN has said it will publish accounts pertaining to this electoral campaign, minus donors' names. Labour leader Joseph Muscat yesterday replied that the PN should publish all its accounts since Lawrence Gonzi became party leader and Prime Minister.

Speaking at the end of a visit to Pavi supermarket in Qormi alongside the PN's 6th district candidates, Dr Busuttil also spoke about an upcoming summit to discuss the EU budget for 2014-2020.

"This is an extremely important summit. Malta has received €1.3 billion since it joined the EU, and I have no doubt that Prime Minister will do his utmost, as he always does, to get Malta the best deal possible."

Dr Busuttil had words of praise for the owners of Pavi, saying they had done a "tremendous" job in creating a business of such a size and with high quality standards. The supermarket employs 264 workers and includes a cafe as well as several retail outlets.

"The PN always gave businesses room to grow and prosper. We've created 20,000 jobs over the past five years and will need to create another 25,000 over the coming five," he said.