The Nationalist Party's new headquarters was inaugurated last night, amid celebrations and reflections of the historic political input of the Pietà building.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said during the official opening: "Dar Centrali is a place where ideas are born and hope is fulfilled. The words, written on a work of art in the lobby of the headquarters, is the reason why the party was born."

Work on the demolition of the old Stamperija building started in March 2002 and since then the new state-of-the-art headquarters has risen to eight floors, incorporating all the PN's media and administration.

Dr Gonzi thanked those who had left a mark on the party's history and he thanked outgoing party general secretary Joe Saliba as well as those who worked closely with him in recent years.