Prime Minister Joseph Muscat yesterday called on the six newly-elected MEPs to work together in the best interest of the country when in Brussels.

His message was echoed by Opposition leader Simon Busuttil who told them they would soon realise that politics in Brussels was much less confrontational than in Malta.

The MEPs first met Dr Muscat at his office in Valletta where he told them: “I urge you all to keep your political differences aside and work together for the good of the country.”

Speaking from experience as a former MEP, he urged them to find ways of working together because the Maltese public appreciated that.

MEP Alfred Sant – who was nominated head of the Labour MEP delegation that includes Marlene Mizzi and Miriam Dalli – said they were ready to collaborate.

I urge you all to keep your political differences aside

MEP David Casa – who spoke on behalf of the Nationalist MEPs who include Roberta Metsola and Therese Comodini Cachia – also pledged collaboration. The group would work for the good of the country and of the EU and would be ready to stand up for Malta if it felt the need to, said Mr Casa who is expected to be nominated head of the PN delegation, according to sources.

The MEPs then went to the PN headquarters in Pietà where Dr Busuttil, a former MEP himself, told those new to the job they would not find a situation of “Nationalists versus Labourites”.

They would experience a type of politics that was not about confrontation but based on communication, he said, urging them to bring this approach with them to Malta.

When Times of Malta asked Dr Busuttil whether the PN head of delegation would be selected on the basis of seniority or the number of votes won, he replied that the decision would be according to PN criteria, adding there were no set EU rules on the matter.