PN's direction will secure a safe future - Gonzi [SLIDESHOW]

The Nationalist Party's campaign gained momentum during its first mass-meeting of the campaign, following a slow start to its drive to win re-election.

Addressing thousands on party faithful, PN leader Lawrence Gonzi drove home the message that his administration could boast of competence in managing the country's economy and had a clear vision for the future, while Labour leader Joseph Muscat wanted a change in direction "without saying where he wanted to go".

"Would you trust anyone with your kids if you do not know where the person will be taking them?" asked Lawrence Gonzi.

In what was the PN's most coherent and resonant message so far in this campaign, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and PN deputy leader Simon Busuttil underlined the Nationalist government's success in securing a solid economy in contrast with the economic woes suffered by Malta's neighbours.

Dubbing Malta "the exception in the Mediterranean", Busuttil said that while countries such as France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Cyprus had to increase taxes, introduce austerity measures and cut social benefits to deal with growing unemployment and cash shortages, "Malta cut or reduced taxes, boasts of one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe and invested in education and health."

The PN leaders harped on the fact that while the PN had a clear vision to build on these successes and keep the country on track, Labour did not know where it wanted to take the country.

Busuttil went as far as describing the Opposition as "a fake copy" of the Nationalist Party and accused Labour leader Joseph Muscat of dressing up, speaking and acting like a Nationalist.

"However faced with the choice between a fake copy of the Nationalist Party and the real Nationalist Party, the decision should obviously be the genuine article," Busuttil said.

On the other hand, Gonzi warned that although the Opposition has become a clone of the PN and invested heavily in its image, the Labour Party has not changed its ways.

Reminding the party faithful of Labour's short-lived stint in government in 1996 and its maligned 2008 proposal to introduce a "repeater class", Gonzi said the PL plan to reduce energy tariffs was destined to fail.

"The last time we trusted the country in Labour's hands debt spiralled out of control and the government collapsed after a short while. Do not trust them. Do not believe them. Experts are telling us that their energy plans will indeed bring an increase in utility bills," Gonzi said.

Gonzi said that Muscat's idea to emulate Cyprus might be that of building a power plant like the one in Cyprus which exploded and wreaked havoc on the island's economy. Gonzi pointed out that building two massive gas tanks next to a power plant  would create unnecessary risks.

"Muscat said that he will run away if he fails to implement his energy plan. On the other hand, whatever happens, good or wrong we will be there for you. We will never abandon you," Gonzi said.   

He added that on 9 March the people would decide who is best equipped to manage the economy. "You cannot choose a party that will endanger the country's economy by experimenting... the best choice is the PN"

Stressing that the PN gave Malta peace of mind in the past, present and would continue to do so in the future, Gonzi urged his supporters to up their efforts to help the PN win its fourth consecutive victory.

"Let us work together, let us work hard for the coming six weeks to celebrate another victory together and create a safe and secure future, together." Gonzi ended his speech by firing up the crowd at his feet by merging the 2008 PN slogan "Together everything is possible" to the 2013 "A safe and secure future" slogan.