My vision, your vision, our vision

In the last days I have met several Nationalist councillors who asked me point blank: "Will you win us the next election?" I replied: "No, it will not be me who will the next election, it will be the economy. But I will be the one to see the economy grow in such a manner to ensure an economic growth that will lead to more job creation, better quality of life and sustaining the peace and stability we have achieved in our country".

I am very pleased and surprised at the overwhelming support for my candidature.

In my long life in the Nationalist Party, that started in 1971 when I was active in the ranks of the youth movement, I worked relentlessly to see that we achieve the goal of having a peaceful democratic nation. When I was elected in 1987, I was immediately given a ministerial responsibility and, together with my colleagues, kick started an economy calling out for fresh air, trust and stimulus.

Eddie Fenech Adam's vision guaranteed that people like myself could work to instil the drive into a system that would create thousands of new jobs and change the face of Malta and Gozo.

In the last weeks, I have been meeting councillors. I have spent long hours discussing with them their particular vision for the party. We all share the same ideal, the Christian democratic ideal that governs the principles of solidarity and subsidiarity in our party. Yes, we yearn for a party which is more inclusive, which gives more time to content rather than to slogans.

I am sure many of my colleagues in the parliamentary group, candidates and party activists will agree wholeheartedly with me. I said during the launch at the Nationalist headquarters that George Borg Olivier built the foundations to our home, Dr Fenech Adami built the house and the next leader will have to furnish it.

With this country entering the European Union and a growing competitive economic environment ahead of us, Malta is calling out for decisive leadership.

The Nationalist Party is rich when it comes to human resources. Surely the other contenders have strong attributes which should never be discarded. And together we are going to have a competition among friends.

In my meeting with councillors, we talked of unity in the party, so much so that, when councillors who support my candidature sought my advice whether they should put their name on the nomination sheet of other contenders, I indicated they should do so willingly.

We may differ in our styles and management prowess but we share the same ultimate goal.

In 15 years of relentless apprenticeship under the guidance of Dr Fenech Adami, 10 years of which as finance minister, I proved my commitment to innovation, change and a strong decision-making ethic.

In the last few days there have been many debates on what the next leader of the Nationalist Party should be.

When Dr Fenech Adami replaced Dr Borg Olivier he proved that the principles that are central to the existence of the Nationalist Party would and could be preserved.

Yet, he saw to it that the party and its vision changed, transformed itself to be consonant with the times.

This is what I envisage as a leader; continuity and the ability to change with the times.

Today I will be launching my political vision in a publication entitled Biex hadd ma jibqa' lura (That nobody shall lag behind), a theme I first chose in 1995. In the various topics I discuss, I see a society which involves itself more with the challenges of the future.

I see a society where the economic growth of our nation will be akin to those of the more advanced countries in the Europe of 25.

I see a society where women, most especially, will be at the core of decision-making processes. I see a dynamic society where our values will be retained in a challenging and changing world.

I see a society where the environmental obligations will be met by our understanding of the wider implications of sustainability.

I see a society that will reap great rewards from European Union membership without losing out on identity, nationhood and being Maltese.

I see a Nationalist Party that will win the next election to offer this country and its people more and much more.

I see Malta and Gozo as the capital of the Mediterranean and I am proud and confident that I can achieve all this.

Mr Dalli, 55, is a candidate for the election of leader of the Nationalist Party. He is the finance and economic affairs minister.