From MaltaMedia.com
'One family; the winning generation' - Dr Muscat
By MaltaMedia News
Jun 8, 2008 - 12:45:18 PM
"One Labour family, one Maltese and Gozitan family - the winning generation," new MLP leader Dr Joseph Muscat said during a rally at the MLP headquarters in Hamrun on Sunday morning.
In his speech, Dr Muscat said that the responsibility entrusted to him is of honour and a privilege because previous leaders were great people.
Speaking on Dom Mintoff, Dr Muscat said that he was and will remain the father of the Malta Labour Party. "No one will erase the name of Dom Mintoff from our hearts," he said.
He also acknowledged Dr Alfred Sant as being the man who modernised the party. "However gone is the time when we are Mintoff's or Sant's followers. We are all Labourites," Dr Muscat insisted.
The new MLP leader again emphasized the beginning of a new political season. "We have to be honest. There were times in the past where we did mistakes and we ask for forgiveness. But let us also remember the good things we did."
The MLP will be open for everyone, Dr Muscat said. The door will be open for whoever did not feel comfortable with the MLP or those who felt hurt by the party. If they do not come - I will go myself, he insisted.
"The internal earthquake within the MLP might annoy some of you in here but it is neccessary."
Dr Joseph Muscat thanked the other contenders for the MLP leadership especially Dr George Abela saying that his work within the party is still to begin.
Dr Muscat also thanked George Vella for encouraging him to run for MLP leader and Marlene Pullcino "for having the courage to move on with her ideas which were the best for the party".
"Lawrence Gonzi - the honeymoon is over. We are back in business, big time," the MLP leader stated.
Dr Muscat said that the MLP will work hand in hand with the government. The first thing he will discuss with the Prime Minister will be the safeguarding of ST Microelectronics. "If things go wrong - Malta would have lost and not the government."
The MLP will also make sure that the government will assure the future of Drydocks workers and also implement all the government electoral programme proposals.
Dr Muscat called on everyone to keep calling him "Joseph" because "I was, am and will remain Joseph".
Meanwhile in his address prior to Dr Muscat's speech, Opposition leader Dr Charles Mangion called on those present to not only celebrate and welcome Dr Joseph Muscat but also to give him their full support.
Dr Mangion said that the MLP will serve everyone. "To do this, we have to demonstrate honesty, integrity and humility. We have to show show unity through facts and not only words," he said.
The Oppositon leader thanked the other contenders of the leadership race. They were three difficult months, there was the need for competition but now I welcome you all onboard," Dr Mangion said.
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