Outgoing PN leader Lawrence Gonzi said this evening that the election of a new PN leader was the start of the PN's road to regain the people's confidence.

Speaking amid applause, he said adversity always brought out the best of the PN, and this was certainly the case.

What had taken place over the past four weeks and today should instil supporters with courage, he said.

The four candidates who had presented themselves for the leadership showed the wealth of capital which the party had to move forward, and he thanked them all.

He thanked Ray Bugeja for coming from outside the party to offer his talents for the party to regain its strength.

He thanked Francis Zammit Dimech for his unwavering loyalty in different circumstances as well as his determination and sense of service.

On Mario de Marco, he said they had worked alongside each other, and he had always shown he was a true gentleman. For him, the PN came first and foremost. He thanked him for the decision he took today.

He also thanked Simon Busuttil. The party had sought sacrifices from Dr Busuttil and was continuing to do so. He was confident that the PN's confidence in him would be redeemed and he praised him for his integrity and determination.

Dr Gonzi said he also wished to thank all those who had worked with him over the past nine years as PN leader. He thanked them for their loyalty and sacrifice and said they had made Malta strong. He would remain eternally grateful for every day he was given the privilege to lead, he told the standing, applauding crowd.

He thanked PN General Secretary Paul Borg Olivier and the other PN officials.

The PN, he said, was opening a new chapter in its history. Challenges were ahead, but the party would overcome them. The party, he said, would regain its strength under the new leadership, and he was promising his own support, Dr Gonzi concluded to chanting of 'Gonzi, Gonzi' by the crowd.