Labour leader Joseph Muscat continued to push for a "positive" campaign which emphasised national unity during a tour of Zurrieq market this morning.

Saying that the PL respected everyone regardless of their political beliefs, Dr Muscat threw in a jibe at the PN's latest billboard, saying "we don't look at people's faces, much less paint them".

He also reiterated the PL's support for the self-employed, saying anyone willing to put their own money on the line in search of entrepreneurial success deserved the state's full backing.

Visiting Pavi Supermarket in Qormi, later in the morning, Dr Muscat said Maltese entrepreneurs should not be disadvantaged when competing against foreign firms.

Dr Muscat was answering a question about the significantly lower tax rate foreign supermarket chains are rumoured to pay. He declined to enter into policy specifics but said that, as a point of principle, "there should be a level playing field, without market interference.

"Those operating in the same sector should work under the same conditions," he said. "There are EU rules to adhere to but Maltese entrepreneurs should not be disadvantaged."

Asked about the drug-related incident that allegedly took place in the PL's Safi club and which PL deputy leader Toni Abela was recorded speaking about, Dr Muscat again asked why Nationalist secretary-general Paul Borg Olivier had not reported the matter to the police himself.

Dr Muscat also suggested Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi had not painted a true picture when he had said that former Enemalta chairman Tancred Tabone's contract had not been renewed back in 2005.

"The official statement issued at the time notes that it was Mr Tabone himself who asked not to be re-appointed," Dr Muscat said. Mr Tabone has been arraigned on bribery charges in connection with oil procurement.