Alternattiva Demokratika announced today that it will field 10 candidates for the local council elections in March.

These are Ralph Cassar (Attard); Yvonne Arqueros Ebejer (St Julians); Simon Galea (St Pauls Bay); Solange Sant Fournier (Swieqi); Leonard Schembri (Gzira); Michael Bajada (Munxar); Henrik Piski (Qormi); Robert Callus (Mosta); Andre' Vella (Balzan); and Michael Briguglio (Sliema).

Michael Briguglio, AD Chairman, said: "We are proud to announce an increase in green local council candidates. The election of green candidates will ensure that residents, both Maltese and foreign, who want their quality of life safeguarded, will have a legitimate voice in their local council. Issues such as sustainable development, public transport, infrastructure, accessibility, public consultation and residents' rights will be given priority by Green local councillors".

"AD's appeal to voters is to use their vote rather than wasting it. Voting AD is a vote for residents' rights"

Carmel Cacopardo AD Spokesman for Home Affairs and Sustainable Development said seven of AD's candidates are employed in the public sector. They would have had considerable difficulty to contest the elections if Directive 5 issued by the Principle Permanent Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister was implemented as originally drafted.

Fortunately, added Mr Cacopardo, Dr Grima's contributed to solving the problem by accepting that the Directive was drafted defectively. His acceptance that civil servants presenting themselves as candidates for Local Council elections should not be forced to go on leave was in line with what is acceptable behaviour from the civil service towards its employees."