Our quality of life depends on the creation of more and better employment opportunities for us all.

The objectives envisaged by the European Commission and Malta in their employment strategies need to be reached. Things can be done on a European level to boost our competitiveness in this area. Attracting investment, continued training and skill diversification for workers in a large range of categories and age groups, coupled with proper planning of EU and national programmes to make sure we continue to invest in the jobs of the future, need to remain a high priority. At the same time we need to focus on tapping EU funds aimed at re-training and supporting job seekers

As a mother of two, I am also well aware of the vast potential benefit for the Maltese economy that is yet to be unleashed through more empowerment of and participation of women in the workplace. The EU is giving this aspect the importance it deserves but there remains a lot more we can do locally in this area, through support from EU funds and by building real political momentum in this direction. Participation of women in the labour market is an area where we lag behind other states. We can learn by observing good practices across the EU and adapting them to the Maltese reality and by utilising available EU funds in a better more effective manner. Flexible work practices through the strengthening of a holistic parental leave system and the provision of more and better child care facilities need to be encouraged. The recent opening of a child-care centre in MCAST and the Government's decision to grant a tax-break to new mothers are testament to the government's commitment in this area. Of course, more can and must be done, but we are on the right track.

EU funds should be made use of in order for us to work towards reaching EU childcare provision targets. At the same time more value has to be given by employers to a person's need to have time with his or her family - thus more flexible working arrangements are necessary. We can benefit in this regard through the exchange of best practices with other EU Member States. If exploited properly by businesses this would lead to a more competitive economy and encourage more women to participate in the labour market.

The turbulent international and financial climate we live in, however, continues to throw harsher challenges at us. Living up to these challenges will need a continued strong leadership on national level, and backing from Malta's five MEPs on a European level - who all need to pull the same rope if we are to deliver the best possible results for our country.

This is why this election is so important. We need people who know what they're doing, know how to achieve results and who will be able to open doors for the benefit of all Maltese and Gozitans.