Listening to Labour’s spin machine in the days leading to the Nationalist Party leadership election, one might have thought that we were witnessing the end of the party. It was more a case of what they wished rather than what was truly happening.

History was being made when for the first time party members were asked to choose their new leader under a new set of regulations which the party had approved some years back.

Thousands heeded the call in what turned out to be a manifestation of enthusiasm and a new injection of energy and trust in the party’s leadership. The members elected Adrian Delia on his mandate of a new way and of making the party closer to the people.

I followed this leadership contest with great interest and with high hopes of a party emerging from this contest stronger and with renewed vigour.

I must say that I was not let down.  The first few days after the leadership election, which also coincided with the annual Independence Day celebrations, were conspicuous by a wave of enthusiasm and curiosity about the new leader.

Delia’s first public statements are encouraging and show a leader with a vision and determination to truly transform the PN into a party which is once again trusted by the electorate.

Simon Busuttil selflessly took decisions which could have made him unpopular but which were taken in the party’s best interests

What I witnessed over the past weeks also reminded me of the honour it is to be able to offer to serve under the PN ticket.  After my encouraging electoral result at last June’s general election, I am determined to continue to work in my constituency and to be close to the citizens.

I believe that the PN has the right policies to make Malta thrive, while safeguarding its values. Delia’s warning that Malta is now a soulless State resonates loudly and we should all put in our efforts to ensure that we offer an alternative way to the electorate.

I want to thank Simon Busuttil for his leadership of the past four years. He did not think twice to take the helm of the party notwithstanding a huge electoral defeat and in a dire financial position.

He selflessly took decisions which could have made him unpopular but which were taken in the party’s best interests. He led a national campaign which brought themes such as good governance and accountability on the national stage and he endured a savage onslaught by the government spin machine which only served to strengthen his resolve.

We owe it to Busuttil to continue keeping check on the government and its actions and deals.

My appreciation also goes to the outgoing leadership team who endured personal sacrifices to push forward their vision for a stronger party. Even though the electoral result was not the one we all worked for, this does not tarnish their sterling work and their efforts.

‘We will be ready’ was the title of an opinion piece penned by Delia on the day preceding the election which saw him elected leader.  The PN is once again showing how it can rise to the occasion and after a long, and hard-fought campaign, it has found the determination and will to unite and to look ahead to a new way.

Having all four leadership contenders stand side by side on the stage at the Independence Day celebrations sent a clear message that the PN is back in business.

Sam Abela is a Nationalist Party election candidate.