Updated 3.40pm with NTM statement

An environmental NGO has expressed its disappointment that the two Nationalist leadership contenders had met with the developers' lobby but not with environmental groups. 

Nature Trust Malta said it was surprised that Adrian Delia and Chris Said had not found the time to meet environmental groups whose main strategy is the common good for all citizens. 

"On a tiny overdeveloped polluted island with most decisions taken in favour of construction - it is a shame that the ugly reality is being sidelined - that of continuous environmental degradation leading to poorer quality of life," the NGO said.

NTM said it felt that now both the two major political parties simply do not have the environment and natural heritage on their agenda but only look at the economy and forgetting the other two pillars of sustainable development - social and environment.

The reaction came after Dr Delia and Dr Said both held separate meetings with construction lobbyists, the Malta Development Association said today. 

In a statement, the MDA said the meetings had been held at the request of the two candidates and had turned out to be "fruitful." 

Dr Delia told the MDA that he wants a long-term plan running to 2050 and that he considered the construction sector to be one of the country's most important economic sectors.

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"He stressed the need to continue to promote investment in construction and promised that, if elected PN leader, he would co-operate with MDA as much as possible," the lobbyists said. 

Dr Said told the MDA he admired their growth, success and ability to look at the bigger picture. 

"Considering the proposals MDA submitted to the current administration, he could appreciate the tangible success achieved by developers, contractors and those involved in building services," the MDA said in its summary of the meeting. 

MDA president Sandro Chetcuti promised both men that the MDA would cooperate with whoever was chosen to be Opposition Leader. 

Dr Said during his MDA meeting.