Gonzi says farewell - 'Let us be proud to be Maltese'

Former Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi resigned from Parliament this evening, saying he was returning his Parliamentary seat to the people so that it could be occupied by someone “who can give the electorate all his energy”. In an emotional farewell in the House, Dr Gonzi said many had asked him to stay on for the rest of the legislature. But had he done so, he would have acted against what he always believed in, he said. Dr Gonzi made his address as his wife Kate and his family watched from the Strangers' Gallery. On his arrival in St George's Square, he was greeted by a small crowd of people who turned up to wish him well. The former Prime Minister asked for forgiveness from those he may have hurt and said he had done his utmost to serve the people and the country he loved so much. “I know I also made mistakes, mistakes from which I learnt lessons which I will hold for life.” Dr Gonzi entered Parliament as Speaker 25 years ago and subsequently served as minister before becoming Prime Minister nine years ago and, briefly, leader of the opposition after the general election last March. In his speech he charted the milestones the country had seen over that period including economic,...