The government has the power of incumbency and marketing, two elements the Nationalist Party has no access to, Adrian Delia lamented on Saturday.

However, the PN has the strength of persuasion and conviction, which is ultimately more important than marketing, the Nationalist leader said. 

"Conviction lasts longer, because it can't be bought," he told a conference organised by the PN college of candidates at the party headquarters.

His address comes amid strife inside his party, whipped up by claims about his private and public life. 

Dr Delia said he became involved in politics to improve his country and the lives of people and to change the Nationalist Party. 

The role of a politician is to listen to the people and to get a real picture of the country, transcending surveys.

When the government persists in building a soulless state, it was important to stress the importance of the common good and to protect the vulnerable, he concluded.