EPP president pays homage to Gonzi, full of praise for Busuttil

Opposition leader Lawrence Gonzi will always be regarded as Malta's Prime Minister, European People's Party (EPP) president Joseph Daul said during a visit to the PN headquarters this morning.

"Lawrence Gonzi's sterling work in leading the country over the last few years will always be remembered and he will always be regarded as Malta's Prime Minister," Daul said.

While auguring for the continuation of the previous government's economic policies, Daul thanked Gonzi for his efforts and encouraged him to remain active in politics.

What was set to be a courtesy meeting between Daul and Gonzi, turned into a fully blown endorsement by the EPP president for Simon Busuttil, who was present for the meeting together with PN secretary-general Paul Borg Olivier, International Secretary John Bonello and MEP David Casa.

"I am here to support Simon Busuttil, who I know very well from his time in Brussels," Daul said, noting that it was not an easy decision for Busuttil to give up his MEP position.

"However it's a blessing in disguise, the EPP's loss is the PN and Malta's gain," he said in reference to Busuttil leadership bid, in which he will face off three other candidates.

"Having four candidates contesting the leadership is healthy and proves that democracy within the party is alive and kicking. Whatever the result is it must be respected, however it is better to win than to lose," Daul said, adding that he believed the Maltese people would show their trust in Busuttil.

On 4 May, the first round of the PN leadership election will be held, with Busuttil facing off the challenge of former tourism minister Mario de Marco, PN stalwart Francis Zammit Dimech and outsider Ray Bugeja.

On his part, Lawrence Gonzi expressed his delight at welcoming Joseph Daul for the first time since the 9 March election and said that the Opposition would do its utmost to "move the country forward and create jobs."

He explained that the PN was preparing itself for the May 2014 European elections which were the party's next big test. "Preparations are already underway to ensure that the party achieves a positive result."

Flanked by members of the PN's outgoing administration, Gonzi added that the party was looking forward to having a new leader and underlined the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with the PN's political family, the EPP.