It is crystal clear that the new government led by Prim Minister Lawrence Gonzi will bring about the real changes. This new legislature is no easy ride, as stated by the Prim Minister himself, but as long as we all know our target and as long as we all work together everything is achievable.

I congratulate Dr Gonzi not only for his electoral success but, most of all, for his leadership skills that will instigate more economic growth and sustain stability, which this country of ours needs. The issues that need to be addressed are being tackled at the very outset of this legislature. A new Cabinet was promised, a pledge maintained to the full with only one exception, the Ministry of Gozo.

It is in fact a "new beginning" but under Dr Gonzi's administration.

This is no surprise as surveys carried out days before the election predicted such a scenario.

Another important factor that all politicians must take note of and was evident in this election is that the Maltese electorate is using its brains when exerting the right to vote. This brought a paradoxical result with the country being entrusted to the Nationalist Party under Dr Gonzi while the local elections, held simultaneously with the general election, were once again won by the Malta Labour Party.

This new beginning brought about a new stimulus for the nursing profession. It was made clear that the commitment to consider the nurses' role within the health sector shall be honoured. The appointment of Mario Galea as Parliamentary Secretary for the Elderly and Community Care is a proof in itself. I happen to know Mr Galea quite well and I am sure that his ideas to improve the quality of care are shared by many in the health sector including myself. I am sure that Mr Galea's appointment will be considered as a historical achievement for the Maltese nursing profession as I do not recall that any Maltese nurse has ever been given such a responsibility.

Dr Gonzi acknowledges the declaration by the World Health Organisation that nurses are the backbone of health care.

Hopefully, there will never be a repeat of mistakenly giving the impression that the problem of the shortage of nurses was resolved. Likewise, one augurs that the issues of overcrowding and waiting lists will be addressed. But, most of all, I sincerely hope that community care will be expanded and the services rendered will reduce significantly the workload at Mater Dei Hospital.

Community care is considered as the only way forward to improve the quality of care and this consideration does not only apply to our country. The International Council of Nurses (ICN) will this year celebrate Nurses Day with the theme Nurses Leading Primary Health Care. This is another proof that enhancing community care is the solution.

Given the right environment, a voice and appropriate tools nurses can bring about the needed change in the health sector. I am sure Mr Galea will be the catalyst in this process of change. I wish Mr Galea all the courage and success.

Mr Cini is honorary president of the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses, member of the board of directors of the International Council of Nurses and board member of the Nursing and Midwifery Council Malta.