It is solely the Prime Minister's prerogative when to call a general election. He has all the time in the world to do so. Anytime between now and August, that is.

That is why I believe that engaging in hypothetical debates on possible dates and quasi-conspiracy theories is an utter waste of time, especially for those who aspire to govern this country.

I think I am not good company to those who have electoral date gossip as their favourite pastime. They might as well go to a bingo hall and have a go at the numbers there.

I am pleased to note that Labour is focused on the real issue, that is not the date but, rather, being prepared for E-day and beyond. Indeed, a general election is a huge organisational feat, which includes policy, marketing and a good dose of humour. Election day on its own is a tough nut to crack. Labour has been cracking it very well for the past decade thanks to a team of dedicated individuals.

Labour aspires to be in government and, if we continue working, we can achieve the goal. We cannot rest on our laurels, or on opinion polls, as New Hampshire - that tiny US constituency with a voting population the size of Malta - recently reminded us.

But the most challenging part comes after the results have been announced. A new government will have to face urgent matters, such as inflation with the prize freeze agreed upon between the government and the main importers elapsing.

There are other impending issues that need to be addressed: energy, environment and kick-starting the regional regeneration plans are just some. The government-in-waiting is also preparing to represent the country in June's European Council, a first for a Labour government.

I am convinced that, if we continue working hard to earn the trust of the electorate, we will hit the ground running.

The Labour annual general conference that came to a close yesterday must be read within this context. Over the past years, we have discussed and proposed numerous plans and policy updates. Now, the time has come to prioritise and synthesise. It was a show of determination. There was no arrogance and complacency in the air. There was just the realisation that we have solutions that the country needs. We cannot promise everything to everyone. Indeed, we are saying that if one does away with the window dressing, our country needs a good deal of good governance to meet the challenges of globalisation.

We will continue to keep our feet on the ground to convey this message and gauge the feedback.

We are not facing this challenge alone. There are many across Europe and beyond who believe in our same ideals and with whom we share basic principles.

The meeting of the leadership of the Socialist Group in the European Parliament last week in Malta showed exactly this.

Labour is not isolated. We are part of a political family that puts people before profits, that believes in a social market economy and that treats the environment as a formidable asset of our society.

Our Socialist friends were quite amused that some quarters still try to resort to scaremongering tactics on Labour and Europe.

Their message was clear: Maltese Labour and European Socialists are one.

Dr Muscat is a Labour member of the European Parliament and vice president of the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee.