Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said yesterday the country could not afford to make a mistake on March 9 because it would take five years to correct it “and it could hurt”.

Addressing party supporters in Tarxien, Dr Gonzi referred to the leaders’ debate at the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology on Wednesday where he was booed. He took particular offence when students, addressing themselves at him, shouted: “Shame on you.”

“Shame when we were in a college that Labour had closed down but which we revived because we believed in it?

“Should I be ashamed that the students who were booing receive a stipend that Labour had converted into loans? It is Joseph Muscat and the Labour Party that should be ashamed,” he said to a standing ovation.

Dr Gonzi was being interviewed by 20-year-old Mcast student Jesmar Pace.

The Prime Minister said tablets would help students of State, Church and independent schools, even from a tender age, to get accustomed to operating a technological product loaded with their school books. Following interactive whiteboards, computers in classrooms and laptops for teachers, this was the next natural step, he said.

He said the PN was the only guarantee for a stable country as it continued investing in people’s education, employment and health.

Asked how the PN could accuse Dr Muscat of bringing unemployment when, so far, he never had a chance to govern, Dr Gonzi said the Labour leader had a track record of bad advice.

Referring to those who were speaking of a need for change, Dr Gonzi said: “It is the Nationalist Party that brought about change and transformed the country radically, so if there’s a party that can guarantee change, it is the Nationalist Party.”

He said voters held the key to Malta’s future. “Do not take the risk because a mistake cannot be reversed. If you buy a pair of shoes and you get the size wrong and cannot change it, you will have to wear it and that may hurt.”