Gonzi accused Muscat of turning the European elections into a ‘picnic’, but his own campaign is no walk in the park. By JULIA FARRUGIA
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, visibly tired after a day jam-packed day with activities, was warmly welcomed by a small but lively crowd of about 80 people, including MEP and Gozitan local council candidates, at Gharb yesterday.
As a surprise comeback for PN diehards, last night’s Nationalist activity in Gozo was anchored by none other than former NET head of news Mario Xuereb, who left the hot seat some weeks ago.
Scoffing at the latest PL billboard, which features the Labour MEP candidates sitting down relaxed in the countryside, Lawrence Gonzi accused the PL candidates of celebrating a “picnic” (xalata).
“For them the European Union is simply a picnic. For us it is different. It is a duty towards the country,” the PN leader insisted towards the end of the Gharb discussion.
Addressing unemployment, one of the weakest points for the Nationalist government in Gozo, Gonzi’s sharpest message focused on work. He admitted that for Gozitans, more than for the Maltese, work is a major concern.
“Yes, I am aware that this issue is of a great concern here in Gozo, more so than in Malta. I insist on reminding you that we are working on this issue from dusk till dawn. Even after the campaign we will remain focused on the work issue,” Gonzi asserted.
The Prime Minister said that his administration is working hard to safeguard jobs in Gozo claiming that the government is in direct contact with a number of factories in Gozo.
“I cannot say much, but we will do all that is necessary to safeguard jobs,” he added.
Without revealing or giving concrete examples, Lawrence Gonzi said that despite the international recession, there are “signs of encouragement… though the waves and bad weather are still there.”
The PN leader once lambasted again the Labour Party for capitalising on populist issues, insisting that on the immigration issue, a country that was previously “united” ended up divided thanks to Joseph Muscat’s antics.
“Our appeal is being heard more and more. It was Malta that managed to strike an agreement on asylum and immigration with which other countries had to share the burden by voluntarily taking up immigrants. Now thanks to Simon Busuttil’s report, burden sharing is obligatory.”
Lawrence Gonzi reiterated the government’s commitment towards Gozo.
“Judge us on what we do, and not on what we say,” the PN leader said, boasting of a number of election give-aways to the Gozitan voters.
Amongst these projects, inaugurated on the eve of the MEP elections, are the new €1 million Institute for Tourism Training, and a day centre in Rabat for disabled people.
“I can tell you that even though trouble is looming, good projects are coming in,” Gonzi promised.
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