Team effort emphasised

Ministers Tonio Borg and Francis Zammit Dimech, who will battle it out for the PN deputy leadership post on Friday, both emphasised the importance of working as a team in campaign speeches yesterday.

Speaking at the Nationalist Party headquarters yesterday, Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech told local councillors he had no doubt that the contenders would work as a team, sharing common ideas.

Dr Zammit Dimech said that as deputy leader, he would give a greater contribution to the government and to the Nationalist Party. "Dr Gonzi and I complement each other and we shall work as a team to live up to the government's challenges," he said.

The Tourism Minister said the College of Councillors' contribution to the party was vital to keep the PN administration in touch with the grassroots' feedback on the various issues in the country.

Justice and Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg said he would form a good team with Lawrence Gonzi if he was elected, insisting that together they would steer the Nationalist Party to victory in the coming election.

Speaking in Rabat, Dr Borg said a deputy leader should support the leader, but this did not imply that the deputy leader should be a "yes" man.

Dr Borg said the deputy leader should draw the leader's attention on all matters. Dr Borg emphasised that contact with the party councillors was very important for the party and should not stop after the election for deputy leader.

Dr Borg said the PN has kept renewing itself. "Soon we will have the newest leadership at the helm of the oldest party in Malta."