A few hours after being sworn in as Prime Minister, Lawrence Gonzi yesterday took the opportunity of a Nationalist Party victory mass meeting to deliver a message of unity and an appeal for all to work together in the best interests of the country and its people.

Thousands of people braved the biting cold and strong wind to give a warm welcome to Dr Gonzi.

The people thronged the Granaries, in Floriana for the mass meeting that brought to a close the victory celebrations of victory that started early on Sunday evening as soon as it emerged that the PN had won a very slim majority.

The crowd burst into resounding cheering as Dr Gonzi, accompanied by his wife Kate, their three children and their partners took to the stage. Unable to keep a smile off his face, Dr Gonzi pledged to be a Prime Minister for all the people, also saying that he looked forward to work together with the opposition so that together they could take the necessary decisions for the best of the country.

He appealed to the people to put aside any differences and seek those things which unite them, like the value of respect for each other, including those who had different opinions.

Addressing those harbouring different political views, Dr Gonzi said he wanted his government to be one for everyone, adding that the country did not have the luxury to be divided.

"Now is the moment for all of us to get together."

Dr Gonzi thanked the other political parties which contested the election and their leaders, saying they served the country in the way they thought best. "I am proud to have had the privilege to compete with them."

"I would not like us to speak of winners or losers but about how the country can move forward," he said, urging everyone to unite because united people were stronger.

He also called for a change in the way politics are carried out, urging all to leave behind useless adjectives and personal attacks and instead concentrating on political substance. "This is an extraordinary country with extraordinary people, even if we do not always agree."

He thanked the people for expressing confidence in his party, saying that the crowd's enthusiasm continued to boost the PN's energy to keep on working. "You have my solemn promise that I will do my utmost so that nobody falls behind and all our children are successful."

As he did on Monday in his first public appearance after the election, Dr Gonzi reserved a special mention to young people, saying his energy was coming from them.

"Now I want you to dedicate your energy so that the country continues moving forward. I want you to be continuously present. I want to hear your voice, your opinion and your suggestions."

With the PN's election candidates behind him, Dr Gonzi pledged that electoral promises will be kept for the best of the Maltese people. He pointed out that the electoral system still needs to be fine-tuned and it was imperative to address rent law reform and improve government efficacy and transparency.

Dr Gonzi said he will also insist that people judge his government by what it does rather than by what it says, something that he had said when he first became Prime Minister four years ago.

He again said he wanted new blood in the Administration.

He thanked the candidates and those who served the government in any way and all the party officials, especially PN general secretary Joe Saliba, who was earlier also given a very warm welcome by the crowd.

Dr Gonzi said yesterday's mass meeting was an honourable finish to the celebrations and urged the people to go back to work this morning.

He concluded his address by expressing his strong belief that "if we work together we will be living a much better life in five years' time. I believe that together everything is possible".