I would like to congratulate Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and his wife Michelle on their landslide victory.

At the same time I would like to thank Lawrence and Kate Gonzi for their legacy to the Maltese people.

The former Prime Minister has presented a more beautifully landscaped Malta with a sound economy. His is the indelible legacy of a statesman.

The victory celebrations have sent a positive message to those of us who have different convictions regarding this change and the consolidation of what has been achieved so far. We hope that in the best interest of the common good there will be no significant disappointments in this respect.

It is interesting to keep in mind the interdependence of political parties. There is no real victory without the participation of two or more parties. From the opposition a party can renew itself more effectively. Elections are then a means to an end.

When the euphoria is over it is the performance and results that matter most. Gonzi must be at peace with himself, having preferred to lose popularity rather than risking the people’s quality of life. We still stand to gain from his valuable service to this country.

It is now the turn of our new Prime Minister . He was justifiably overwhelmed by the responsibility now entrusted to him. I wish him the very best of luck.