‘Help us convince those who are still undecided’ – Robert Abela

Robert Abela on Sunday directly appealed to thousands of Labour's supporters for their help in convincing people who have yet to decide who to vote for on May 30.

Addressing a mass meeting in Cottonera, the prime minister continued with his portrayal of the Labour Party as the underdogs in the election.

“We need to keep knocking on doors, convincing more people. I am asking for your help. Are you ready to help me?”

“Speak to those who are undecided. Bring them to us. Door by door. Let us understand everyone. Let us make them understand it is only this movement that can ensure a better future,” Abela said to cheers from the assembled crowd.

Although recent polls give Labour a comfortable lead of around 29,000 votes, those same polls show a sizeable chunk of the electorate have yet to decide who to vote for.

The prime minister acknowledged that the Labour government had not been perfect, and mistakes were made.

Abela said the party must understand those who may have become disillusioned and offer them solutions with the utmost humility.

The prime minister announced that the contract “handing Manoel Island back to the people” will be signed this week.

Developers MIDI are set to be paid €43 million to return both Manoel Island and Fort Tigné to the state, effectively annulling part of the concession granted to the company in 2000.

The crowd at Sunday's meeting. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli.

Abela said reclaiming Manoel Island was a dream that no one believed would become reality.

“Others said it was not possible thanks to the contract they signed when they were in government,” Abela said of the Nationalist Party.

Taking jabs at the PN's proposals

The prime minister spent much of Sunday’s meeting contrasting the government’s track record of delivery on its promises with the PN’s lack of credibility.

“The opposition is promising everything to everyone. A clear difference will emerge between the two parties. We promised a €1,000 super bonus. You know you will get it, as you know our promises will happen.

“When they heard about the super bonus, they rushed to say no one would believe a Labour government would give this bonus.

“Within 48 hours, they promised to offer even more. They came out with a tax rebate guarantee. This is a guarantee that nothing will happen once again. They were not even capable of putting together simple costings. They were off by €250 million,” Abela said.

The prime minister also poked holes in the PN’s energy proposals, claiming their presentation on the topic was “full of mistakes”.

By contrast, Abela said Labour’s proposals are crystal clear.

People will continue to be shielded from rising energy costs thanks to government subsidies, petrol prices will remain the lowest in Europe, and supply will be guaranteed, Abela said.

The prime minister reiterated Labour’s mantra that the government is with people from cradle to pension.

He offered a rundown of the grants offered to people throughout their lifetime, starting from a €5,000 grant at childbirth, stipend increases, tax breaks for businesses started by youths, incentives for property buyers, and an increasing amounting to €50 weekly for pensioners.