Popular MP Evarist Bartolo yesterday officially announced his intention to run for the leadership of the Malta Labour Party, saying that he was ready to both lead and serve.

Mr Bartolo said that he sees being involved in politics as a public service. “A public service which I will dedicate my efforts with direction and vision so as to create a better life for people in our country,” he said. The Malta Independent had carried a story last week in which Mr Bartolo had strongly hinted that he would be contesting the post.

Mr Bartolo said that in the mid-80’s, he set up the MLP media and spent the next 10 years running them. “I have taught communications at the University of Malta for the past 22 years and I have been in parliament for the past 16 where I have dipped my fingers in education and culture, science and technology, cultural heritage, European and international affairs, tourist and industry,” he said. He also mentioned that he was Education Minister and worked to improve standards of English, literacy and had overseen improvements to various schools.

He said that since 1992, he had been returned to parliament on two districts, pointing out that he had always managed to attract votes from those who normally vote for other parties.

Mr Bartolo said that he was ready to use his knowledge and experience to lead the Malta Labour Party into the next election, offering an alternative government.

He also said that he had the knack of being able to explain difficult concepts in layman’s terms. “I am capable of listening and I am also able to admit that I have made a mistake. The important thing is learning from them. I can work in a team and I am capable of uniting a team,” he said.

He said that while the MLP would remain faithful to its roots, he would also ensure that the party would become more appealing to the people of the North of Malta and Gozo. “I will work to ensure that those who have fallen behind get back on track, but I will work equally hard to ensure that this party can be relevant to those people who have made a success of themselves and have moved forward,” said Mr Bartolo, adding that this was the only way to also appeal to the middle classes.

Another of Mr Bartolo’s aims is to improve the way policies are drafted and the way the MLP’s message is spread through effective and credible media, including the internet. “We will agree where we see that good is being done, but we will criticise what is being done badly, at the same time offering alternative solutions,” he said.

Mr Bartolo said education would be a cornerstone of Labour’s policies, so as to forge ahead in today’s globalised economy where investment goes only to those of the highest competence. “We must develop a sustainable economy which pays respect to the environment and also to the rights of workers,” he said.

He said that the MLP would work hard to offer women the same opportunities as men, while also boosting the quality of life of elderly people by giving them a decent pension.

“We will work for continued opportunities to be available for youths and we must give more support to young families. We will put our foot down in the field of disabled people to change this mentality of charity into a mentality of rights and equality. A radical change is needed,” he said.

He said that the MLP would work for better animal rights and change the view on social benefits by implementing preventive policies rather than trying to help people when it’s too late.

He said that under his leadership, the MLP would continue to work with other European Union members to continue to tackle issues such as the environment, globalisation, climate change and irregular immigration.

Another important issue, he said, was strengthening commercial and diplomatic ties with up and coming nations such as China, Brazil, India and Russia.

“I will work hard to make the MLP a more open party that accepts diversity and differing opinions. I will change the way we work and I will change the way we reach out to people. We need to make the best of the talents within and outside this party to make our country a better place. Experience, new ideas and direction is what I can offer if I serve this party and the people of Malta and Gozo,” he concluded.