PM: Changing direction now would be wrong

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi insisted once again this morning that the people knew where they stood with the Nationalist Party, and changing direction when the country was achieving good results would be harmful. He spoke at a press conference at the Auberge de Castille after calling on the President to advise him to dissolve Parliament. Dr Gonzi said few people realised that this was the longest legislature since 1987. The election would be held five years and one day after the last election. The PN had predicted that there were storm clouds on the horizon but it had also said that 'together everything is possible'. The PN had shown confidence in the people. It was now proud to return the country in a better state than it was in 2008. Government finances were on a stronger footing and the economy had grown despite the international turbulence. The deficit was now under 3%, one of the few countries in the eurozone which could make such a claim. Malta now also had the highest ever number of people in employment, the highest ever number of women in employment, and the highest ever number of pensioners who opted to continue to work, while receiving their pensions. At the same time,...