Nationalist Party leader Simon Busuttil told supporters who gathered to celebrate his first anniversary at the helm of the party this evening, that his calm political style should not be mistaken for weakness.
"Maybe I have a calmer style than one would expect in local politics. This is not a sign of weakness but one of strength as the PN always won with the power of reason," he said adding that he believed in teamwork.
He said he had a different style of leadership when compared to his predecessors. This was due to his personality and his background in the European Parliament. He preferred dialogue to shouting, cooperation to insults and unity to division.
"Today is my one year anniversary as the leader of the Nationalist Party... Thank you for the opportunity to lead this glorious party that made a big difference in the history of the country... This year turned my life upside down... No one is born the leader of the Opposition... I understand now what it means to be walking in the road and people smile or frown at you, hug you or pass some nasty comment...
"Even on a personal level it was not easy. You expose yourself to enormous and ferocious attacks on a political and personal level... The mug slung at you is incredible.... but you have to show a huge determination that nothing will stop you. These attacks fuel my determination since they prove that the other side feels we are making a difference," he said to roaring applause.
He said it was important to keep in mind the point of departure - a 36,00-vote defeat - and remain humble and down to earth. But the PN had made a lot of progress and proved to be an effective Opposition.
The PN was addressing its weakest aspect - keeping in contact with people.
"I want this party to once again become one of the people," he said adding that the road ahead was not easy as the PN was facing a "marketing machine" that bombarded people's minds constantly through various media including illegal billboards with brainwashing propaganda. It was also a "lying machine" he said adding that an EU report showed that Malta's quality of air improved - proving that there was never a cancer factory.
Referring to the Appeal Court judgement in the case of PL MEP candidate Cyrus Engerer he said this was "a favourite candidate of the Prime Minister". He hoped the Prime Minister would not abstain from the decision he had to take.