Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi yesterday appealed to the electorate to place the interests of the country first and to vote for the party that is offering them a solid vision based on an equally solid track record. Speaking at a mass meeting along Republic Street in Victoria, Dr Gonzi listed the main differences between the Nationalist and Labour parties. His party was the one that really believed in the country's potential and that of its people.
The PN's creed was that all Maltese and Gozitan citizens were one family. "We are one nation and there is no distinction between any of us. I appeal to all of you, including genuine Labourites and those who are hurt or those who are planning not to vote: Put the country's interests first as well as the interests of your loved ones and your children because the decision is yours.
Even those who are sceptical: Trust us, we will deliver because we believe in you. A few days are left and every vote counts.
"We will continue doing our best and use our last drop of energy to go before the people, explain our vision and ask for their trust. We are offering the best concrete vision for this country because together everything is possible," he said in a passionate speech.
Dr Gonzi referred to the projects in Gozo carried out by the PN government over the years which included the Mġarr terminal, an industrial estate, a desalination plant, new ferries for better transport between the two islands, new and upgraded schools, several European standard roads, the business incubation centre, a university branch, a sports complex and a sewage treatment plant, to mention a few.
"Gozo has always been at the centre of the PN's attention. PN policies have brought about these results. Malta and Gozo always progressed when the PN was in government and when the MLP was there it fell behind. We are proud of what we have done, especially for Gozo. Ten years ago we had another party in government and Gozo was brushed aside."
He said the main reason the MLP was so disastrous for Malta was because its policies were based on a lack of confidence in the country and its people.
At one point, as Dr Gonzi stopped to wait for the people to stop chanting, he joked: "I was tempted to sing along with you but I will leave that for someone else who thinks he is capable of singing," clearly referring to MLP deputy leader Michael Falzon's efforts to rouse supporters at a recent mass meeting.
The Prime Minister made reference to the €855 million which Malta will be receiving from the European Union. He said these funds together the money already received and used for several projects meant that Malta would benefit from €1.26 billion in EU funds.
Turning to health, Dr Gonzi reiterated his promise that as long as he remains Prime Minister, health care will remain free, notwithstanding any reports that are drawn up.
"We speak about our 2015 vision for Malta and Gozo to become a centre of excellence in six main sectors but the Labour Party's policy is to sling mud.
"In such an important electoral campaign, the MLP is smearing everyone with its allegations. We are fed up of this policy. During this campaign, we have heard nothing about Labour's ideas.
"We do not believe in calling names and mud slinging. We respect everyone's opinion and dignity. We believe people should choose us because of what we can offer them. We want to win because we can do much more for Malta. Mud slinging will not lead to a better country. We are offering you a better future."