Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi this morning kicked off a series of ministerial press conferences to mark the end of the fourth year of this legislature.

Speaking at Castille, Dr Gonzi went over the work of his government.

He said government activity was focused on job creation and on safeguarding jobs despite the international crisis.

He said that 20,000 new jobs were created in four years and new schemes were introduced to help businesses.

Income tax was reduced to all sectors of society, particularly working mothers, and pensioners could now continue to work  while receiving their pension.

There had been strong investment in education, with several schools having been built. Stipends were now being given to more post-secondary students. The number of students in post secondary schools had risen to 73% from less than 50% 10 years ago.

The annual number of operations at Mater Dei was now 11,000 more than in the last full year of St Luke's Hospital and there was more investment in cancer facilities and free medicines.

Dr Gonzi said the number of beds in old people's homes had risen by 800 in four years and two night shelters had been opened.

Recreational facilities for families were opened across Malta.

The prime minister also underscored investment in the restoration of the bastions and historic site and in the environment, particularly sewage treatment.

The past year, he said, was characterised by the unexpected Libyan crisis, which Malta had handled with flying colours. The country, he said, had been on the right side of history and this should be a source of pride for everyone.

Challenges and hurdles remained but Malta should continue to do well as long as it remained competitive and focused.

The government, Dr Gonzi said, had been able to invest in difficult circumstances to ensure that the people's quality if life improved. (see video above, provided by the Office of the Prime Minister).

The press conference is still in progress.