Lawrence Gonzi made his last address as PN leader this evening, telling hundreds of supporters at PN headquarters that he was sure the future was a good one for the party, but those around new leader Simon Busuttil should show him loyalty and determination and they should be prepared to make sacrifices to enable him to lead the party to success.

He made his address shortly after Dr Busuttil, as expected, was elected party leader in the second round of the PN leadership election.

Dr Gonzi recalled that nine years ago, he had assumed the party helm from Eddie Fenech Adami after he had secured EU membership for Malta.

He was very grateful to the party and the people for having granted him the 'special privilege' along with his colleagues, of leading the country as an EU member.

Dr Gonzi recalled that in his earliest speeches nine years ago he had said that the country's aim, and the agenda of the PN, should be to translate EU membership into benefits for the country while also contributing Malta's values to the EU. It was significant that he had said that Malta should show its worth in the EU through its values and the country's role in the Mediterranean - something which came true during the Libyan uprising.

"Our results are evident to all, results which have benefited the workers, the young, the elderly...my advice to the new leadership now is to ensure that what we managed to achieve is not lost, but is sustained," Dr Gonzi said.

He recalled how he had promised job creation, sound finances, investment, free education and free health services, and he had kept his word, Dr Gonzi said to applause.

"Be proud of what we have given this country, what we have given our families, we gave them everything, our strength, our energy, our loyalty, our determination to see that this country moves forward," Dr Gonzi told the crowd to a standing ovation.

"The future of this party is a good one, and therefore the future of this country is a good one, Dr Gonzi said.

He said Dr Busuttil would have a burden to carry, and those around him should be loyal, dedicated and ready to make sacrifices to ensure that he was able to lead the party to new success and to achieving the support of the majority of the people.

Dr Gonzi expressed his concerns about developments in the country, particularly the manner how appointments were being made by the government and how the ministerial code of ethics was being breached. He insisted that politics should only be service.

Concluding Dr Gonzi thanked the people, the councillors and his family. His family, he said, had shared his ups and downs. The lesson they had learnt, he said, was than when one fell to the floor, one did not cry, but he got up and moved on.

He promised Dr Busuttil his unconditional support and wished him well.

"Thank you all from my heart," Dr Gonzi said as he was joined on the stage by a beaming Mrs Gonzi and the PN anthem was played to applause.

Prior to his address, the PN screened a video production highlighting his achievements in his nine years as party leader and prime minister.