Simon Busuttil underlines need for PN unity, openness to the people

Simon Busuttil this evening underlined the need for unity in the PN and openness to the people as he delivered his first speech as party leader. He said he was accepting to be leader of the party out of a sense of duty, humility and responsibility. He had never expected his life to take this course, he said. It was a special privilege to lead this glorious party, but it was also a heavy burden of responsibility. What he could offer in return was total dedication. Dr Busuttil thanked his parents and children for their support. He also thanked previous leaders of the PN, particularly Lawrence Gonzi and Eddie Fenech Adami who had built on the rich heritage of the previous leaders. He also thanked the other candidates in the leadership race. This was a contest between friends who respected one another, he said, and the message they had conveyed was one of serenity and unity, something which needed to be carried forward. "Mario, Francis, Ray, I need your help to build a strong party," he said, adding that he wished to adopt the ideas they had promoted in their electoral campaigns. He also thanked party officials led by Paul Borg Olivier, and the party councillors.  Unfortunately, he...