Dalli for leader

It is now public knowledge that in the event that the prime minister decides to resign, John Dalli will contest the leadership of the Nationalist Party.

This is very good news for the party and for Malta. I have only worked closely with Mr Dalli when I was responsible for the massive financial services legislation. With my background and experience, I discovered that Mr Dalli was a formidable character - knowledgeable, practical, decisive and immensely hard working, a very outstanding personality indeed.

Without in any way commenting on any other probable contestant I feel sure that Mr Dalli's mastery of the theory and practice of modern economics, finance and administrative discipline puts him in a unique vantage point to tackle the very many delicate and challenging problems that Malta shall face this year and for some years to come.

I have been a Nationalist all my life (my membership card carries the number 48) but I have never ever been servile to any person or idea. In this spirit I have best served my country.

I now declare myself a supporter of Mr Dalli when the friendly race for the leadership of the party starts. I wish him well.