[WATCH] Eddie Fenech Adami fires up PN faithful

Galvanised by the presence of its very own hero Eddie Fenech Adami, the Nationalist Party goes into Saturday's general election with renewed hope and enthusiasm.

Greeted by a deafening cheer which reverberated around the Granaries in Floriana, where Fenech Adami held numerous and at times historic meetings during his tenure, the former PN leader and Prime Minister reassured the party faithful: "I am confident that under the guidance of Lawrence Gonzi, the country has a safe and secure future." 

Introduced to the crowd by his successor Lawrence Gonzi, Fenech Adami opened his address with his characteristic "Huti Maltin u Ghawdxin," which was met with a thunderous cheer by the mammoth crowd in Floriana..

Despite his 79 years, Fenech Adami maintained the aura that characterised his political career which stretched over 40 years and mesmerised the adulating crowd with his unique oratory skills.

The President Emeritus explained that he had accepted Gonzi's invitation to address today's mass meeting to thank his successor for his stewardship during tha last five years, in which huge difficulties were conquered.

"The PN was, is and remains the party capable to govern the country, from one victory to another. 50 years ago we knew where we wanted to go and we are now satisfied seeing that our dream become a reality. I want to thank Lawrence Gonzi, in particular for the last five years in which he faced numerous difficulties, which he overcame. I thank him for leading the government for the last ten years, since I asked him to take over the country and the party."

He added that the success the country had achieved was down to the PN's ability to hold firm to its values.

"The party never made any compromises for votes and it knows that the truth always prevailed. This massive crowd present here today needs to answer the country's call by voting for the Nationalist Party and by making sure that the country votes for the party. I am grateful for granting me the privilege of addressing you tonight, and I firmly believe that this party is still capable of securing our future," Fenech Adami said.

Despite lagging behind Labour by more than 10 points in the polls, tonight's mass meeting reinvigorated the PN faithful and party officials who were in a euphoric mood backstage.

Fenech Adami's compelling address and the huge crowd, gave PN officials a spring in their step and sent them home with renewed hope in an improbable comeback.

In his own address, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi thanked "the father of Malta in Europe" for his contribution to the country.

In a reconciliatory tone, reminiscent of his predecessor, Gonzi said: "Together we have made the country stronger, more beautiful and successful," as he addressed Natioanlists, Labourites and persons who do not identify themselves with any political party.

Repeating his plea to PN supporters to convince other voters to vote PN, Gonzi said: "I trust the country's future in your hands and I am sure you will trust the country back our hands."

Adding that a vote for Labour is a vote for unemployment while a vote for the PN is a vote for jobs, Gonzi said: "Only 48 hours are left to voting day. Our job is not over. Every hour, every hour, every minute is vital. We will not rest and we will work for every vote. Time is golden and we need to up the efforts. Go and explain to other people that we brought peace of mind to the country at a time when other countries went through tough times. We are ready to sacrifice popularity to do what is right for the country. We would rather lose popularity and see people in employment. We want what is best for you. We will work for it and we will deliver what is best for you."

A repentant Gonzi called on disappointed voters to put the country's interests first and said that "personal interests and hurts are important and I repeat our commitment to work as hard as ever to bring a culture change in the way people are treated, in the way how people are told whether they are right or wrong in a dignified manner. I commit myself that we will do our best to resolve your problem, but on Saturday we risk losing all we have achieved."

Addressing parents and the elderly, Gonzi said their vote is not only about them, but above all it concerns their children and family's future.

"This was not a vote over a permit, a transfer or some favour. Put your disappointments aside and vote for your children and family's future."

Addressing young people Gonzi warned that if the country decided to change direction, it would lose its ability to create new jobs and health services and education would not remain on a sound footing.

Urging voters that only the PN could guarantee a safe and secure future, Gonzi said: "If you want to wake up on Monday morning in a country which remains on track, I ask you to persuade two people to vote PN. You already answered to this call on Sunday and we saw a wave of support come our way."

Gonzi added that since last Sunday he was approached by people who convinced more than two persons and other had also convinced voters who voted Labour in 2008 to vote PN.

"We believe in you and in these remaining hours go find me two other voters, and I promise that on Saturday we will vote and on Sunday we will celebrate a victory for the country and your family's benefit."

The first to address the jubilant crowd was PN deputy leader Simon Busuttil who called on the electorate to maintain the country's route and its captain who had weathered the storm over the last five years.

"I give you my word that we will be a government of the people and a government close to the people. I give you my word to be there for you after 9 March. Vote for wealth creation, vote for job creation, vote for education, vote for health, vote for the future of our young people. Vote for a safe and secure future," Busuttil said.