PN executive approves electoral manifesto

A leap in the quality of life is the ultimate aim of the electoral manifesto which the Nationalist Party's executive approved yesterday in the run-up to the March 8 general election.

The environment, the economy and education are being considered as the three main pillars in the manifesto, which also lays stress on a number of other issues, including health and social solidarity.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said the programme builds on previous successes, especially those achieved since Malta joined the EU four years ago.

The environment is being tackled at the beginning of the manifesto because the party believes that much work remains to be done, although a lot has already been invested.

"We want the next legislature to be characterised by a leap of quality in the environmental sector because it is, after all, the environment that we all live in," Dr Gonzi said yesterday afternoon while addressing the party's executive.

Investment in education was imperative so that nobody lagged behind. The PN in government would continue investing in children's potential and the manifesto outlines specific measures to help those in need.

Dr Gonzi said that during the current legislature his government had invested heavily in information technology for schools, something that would continue taking place in the next legislature to bring out everyone's best potential.

Speaking on the economy, Dr Gonzi mentioned the proposals announced on Tuesday to stimulate economic growth. The aim was to boost the economy so that everyone would benefit. The fiscal measures were aimed at maintaining the strong economic rhythm so that, by 2010, the country would have a surplus in its budget for the first time in many years.

Dr Gonzi reiterated his plan to focus on healthcare within the community following the election. Technology would be used not only as part of the pharmacy of your choice scheme but also to strengthen the role of family doctors, whom he described as a treasure that was not yet appreciated enough. Other proposals revolve around pensions and the social sector.

Dr Gonzi said the manifesto - which is expected to be published shortly - was the result of a long consultation process with civil society. The PN strongly believed in the ability of the Maltese people to make a success of their own country.

"We believe that if we continue working together, we will reap results, which are beneficial for everyone," he said, adding that the programme builds on the vision of making Malta a centre of excellence in a number of sectors by 2015.