Gonzi admits PN facing internal difficulties but remains hopeful for future

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said the Nationalist Party is "going through difficult internal problems, which must be resolved. I even put my leadership on the line. The recent events are worrying because the party must remain focused on its vocation to lead, by placing the country's interests first."

Gonzi, who was speaking on the PN's radio station this morning, added "We have had difficulties and we must address them. Disciplinary action was taken and we are dealing with them.

The PN leader said that while it is true that internal issues also had to be resolved and Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando had now resigned from the PN, "it is time to look ahead and make the best choices for the country."

He said the electorate trusted the PN four years ago to take the country forward and that was what his government will continue doing.

"I could have called elections months ago, it would have been the easier choice but we will move forward and put the country's best interests first."

Lawrence Gonzi said that as Prime Minister, he did not have the luxury to concentrate soley on internal matters. "Only the leader of the Opposition can do that."

"My first duty is to see that Maltese workers have employment opportunities and to ensure that the country continues to progress and is not humiliated for not taking responsibility and take difficult but necessary decisions."

On the PN's chances of winning the next election, Gonzi said polls show Labour ahead of the PN by a large margin, but " despite all the difficulties the country has remained strong in the last four years. Labour leader Joseph Muscat is hiding behind a guise which is very similar to ours but deep down there is no substance."

He added that the while the PN has a clear and tangible track record, Labour has nothing to offer but empty promises.

"I have faith in the people, the Maltese electorate always took the right decisions. However whatever the people's decision is, we will respect it as we have always done."

While he asked what is the Labour leader proposing to weather the international economic crisis, Gonzi went on to warn that Muscat is promising everything to everyone.

"I am very concerned about this, and I must warn that Muscat is having various meeting behind closed doors making wild promises to everyone."

Gonzi went on to challenge Muscat to declare what he is promising to everyone and added that he will not allow a repeat of the 1996 election when Labour won the election after making promises such as the removal of VAT which turned out to be a failure.