‘It’s time to move on’ – Muscat

Opposition leader Joseph Muscat feels that it is time for the PN to move on from Labour's past hang-ups over EU membership.

"I have worked in the European Parliament and have done what I promised. With the EU funds secured by Malta it is now up to the population to decide who is best placed to deliver on those funds," Muscat said.

Muscat once again stated that his deputy leader Louis Grech is the person best placed to do so.

The PL is not afraid to admit that it is in contact with businesspersons.

"We are not ashamed to say that we are speaking to businesspersons. Everyone will have the same possibilities under a PL government. The PN has been overrun by a few big business magnates, with one in particular giving over 350,000 to the party. I can assure you that all the businesspersons met by Labour have already met with the prime minister."

Muscat promised to fight corruption tooth and nail, expressing confidence that the PL will be able to pass a law on party financing before parliament's summer recess. He also promised to formulate a Whistleblowers act and remove the statute of limitation on political crime.

After a few weeks respite, the energy debate once again reared its ugly head.

Muscat accused the "caretaker government" of having no plan for the energy sector, pointing towards European Commission report, which stated that energy utilities would actually increase.

Muscat questioned the shortfall in funding between the PN's proposed gas pipeline and the EU funds on offer for the project.  He said that the project will cost in the region of €700 million, whereas the EU was only offering around €60 million in funding.

"We are dependent on €1 million in oil purchases a day, where someone was and maybe still is skimming a commission off the top", Muscat said.

Muscat promised that if elected, his government will be an inclusive one that will do away with the old Nationalist and Labourite divides.