You gave the country an unconditional service, PM tells Gonzi

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat this evening thanked his predecessor Lawrence Gonzi saying that although many might imagine that it was difficult for one to find words of appreciation for an opponent, it had never been as easy as today. For all those opting for public life did so with the best of intentions. Dr Muscat said Dr Gonzi gave the country an unconditional service and although this did not mean that both sides had always agreed on the method, they always did on the final aim, which was to improve the people’s standard of living. The Prime Minister said that the House was today losing its best orator. He told Dr Gonzi: “In you I have found a strong adversary… When I embarked on my career as leader of the Labour Party I was frequently concerned at having to fight you politically. It was a challenge I learnt a lot from. You were always strong and prepared ready for the political fight but you knew where to draw the line.” Dr Muscat said that Dr Gonzi was the first Maltese Prime Minister to take part in European Council meetings which were tough and in which one was expected to be an expert on everything. He praised Dr Gonzi for his work with the disabled and also thanked Mrs...