Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi described the stunt pulled by the Labour Party on Friday’s Xarabank debate as a “pantomime”.

“It was pantomime Xarabank on Friday as the Labour Party turned down the opportunity to present their policies,” Dr Gonzi said yesterday on party-owned Net Television.

The PL had the opportunity to “at least present their policies” but, instead, “avoided” the debate, he said during a full-day marathon to raise funds for the party.

At the last count, the party had raised over €482,000 by 11.30pm.

Dr Gonzi was referring to a debate between the Labour and Nationalist parties’ deputy leaders, which was cancelled at the last minute after the PL allowed Nationalist MP Franco Debono to present himself instead of its own number two, Anġlu Farrugia.

The debate was not held on Friday but took place on Saturday instead.

Eventually, he said Labour realised they had made a “big mistake” and decided to accept to send Dr Farrugia to face PN’s deputy Simon Busuttil but the party was exposed even further here, he said.

“You realised the huge difference between the clear policies of the Nationalist Party and Dr Farrugia, whom people have yet to understand what he was trying to say,” he said.

It was important for people to “make good choices”, he said, especially young people who were embarking on their career.

Life was made up of challenges and one must learn to face these head-on. “You must do your best to find a solution,” he said.

Malta faced big challenges and came out better when compared to other, bigger countries.

“We achieved better results, so be strong”.

The next greatest challenge was the election on March 9.

“We want to win this election and we need people’s help and generosity,” he said.

The Prime Minister urged people to donate money – no matter the amount – to help the party, which was working for the good of everyone.