My day today was dominated by events related to the National Strategy for Climate Change presented by the committee of experts which I had appointed last June.

It is certainly not a report praising the government but is, in line with my wishes, a factual report which presents 87 concrete recommendations this country will consider to adopt in order to tackle this pressing issue (www.climatechange.gov.mt). I have to thank the committee members who did a sterling job in the formulation of this document, which has now been issued for an eight-week public consultation process.

I augur that this would truly be a consultation exercise and I look forward to receiving the feedback from the various stakeholders, political parties, NGOs, employers, unions and consumers. Once this process is over, the document will become Malta's strategy. Now is the time to stand up and be counted and to make the hard decisions. We owe it to us and to future generations.

The above text contains 159 words. Six words more than the number of words Labour's Leo Brincat's Private Member's Bill contains ! Many wrongly understood that Mr Brincat presented some Bill.

Another example of Labour's unique way of tackling problems: creating gimmicks - January 15.

Signs of the times

Yesterday, the Nationalist Parliamentary Group met to discuss the Prime Minister's proposal to nominate George Abela as President of the Republic. We had a very open discussion.

As he had done earlier on with Cabinet, the Prime Minister gave a very sound explanation about the factors governing his choice. He stated that the time had come for the country to take another step forward and, for the first time, nominate a politician hailing from the opposition. Some were taken aback by this controversial move but, as Lawrence Gonzi said, "If you want to lead, you must be prepared to move away from the beaten track".

Dr Abela is a highly-respected individual because in crucial moments he did not shy away from taking a stand that was at odds with that of his own political camp, including Malta's EU membership.

He has had a rich career that has spanned his legal profession, trade unionism, politics and also sport.

In my opinion, Dr Gonzi's choice also needs to be viewed in the light of the prevailing situation. Our country is going through a challenging phase, against a global backdrop of uncertainty.

Yet, we will succeed in overcoming adversity if we are able to maximise the strengths of our human resources. This is also intrinsically linked to Dr Gonzi's vision: Together everything is possible - January 13.

Let's get physical

Together with my colleague Tonio Fenech, yesterday morning I visited the gym that Melita FC has just set up in Pembroke. The Spinach Fitness Club, as it is called, is, in itself, a highly-original concept because it is the first family gym in Malta with different areas within the gym having equipment targeted for different groups: children, teenagers and adults respectively.

It enables the whole family to work-out under the same roof. The equipment in the children's area, aimed at children as young as five, is very innovative, colourful and interactive and will surely entice children to have a go! Some equipment, like Gamebikes, for example, successfully amalgamates the idea of physical fitness with virtual play that today's youngsters are hooked on! Equipment for individuals with a physical disability is also available.

The Spinach Fitness Club will officially open its doors in March and we were informed that, apart from PE teachers, occupational therapists and child psychologists would also be in attendance.

This facility is evidence enough, if any were needed, of how voluntary organisations, together with private investment and government assistance, can play a pivotal role in promoting innovation. Well done and good luck - January 11.

Righting wrongs

Yesterday we took the second step to ensure that the Sliema community will regain St Anne Square.

The first step was taken last July when the government advised the tenant occupying the land that it would not be extending the lease when this expired at the end of 2008. It is pertinent to point out here that, although part of the lease had expired four years ago, the tenant had still continued to occupy the land without having title to it.

The catering establishment, known as Magic Kiosk, has dominated the square for more than 30 years. Since 2005, my stand has always been that the government should not extend the lease once it expired.

The second step was taken by employees from the Works Division, falling under my ministry, who started dismantling the structure, under the direction of the Government Property Division.

Before we intervened, we sought the legal advice of the Attorney General's Office. The advice given was that the government had every right to proceed.

The works we intend to carry out will respect the tradition of the square and also complement the repaving works recently carried out in Tower Road. I would like to take the opportunity to publicly thank Parliamentary Secretary Jason Azzopardi for his resolve that will enable the government to give Sliema a "new" square - January 10.

Mr Pullicino is Minister of Resources and Rural Affairs.

www.georgepullicino.blogspot.com