Former Labour Prime Minister Alfred Sant, elected on the first count as a European Parliament candidate, told The Malta Independent that he was never a euro-skeptic but a euro-realist.

Dr Sant garnered 48,739 votes during the MEP election held on Saturday, the candidate who obtained most votes across the board.

Asked what his position will be now that he is an EP candidate – after having campaigned against Malta’s membership – Dr Sant said that he “never campaigned against Europe and always considered that the emergence of the EU was a positive development such that Malta needed to have the best relationship with the Union, according to our circumstances.

“On this basis I campaigned in favour of the idea that Malta’s best option was not membership but a special relationship with the EU. However, when the people chose the option of membership in the 2003 general elections, as promised, I accepted that verdict and have worked in favour of Malta getting the best deal available as an EU member,” he said.

Dr Sant added that the whole truth about the implications of EU wide policies needs to be fully considered, not only that part of it which satisfies pre-conceived notions and starry-eyed scenarios.

“I will continue not to be in favour of one-size-fits-all policies applied indiscriminately to all and I will defend the concept of a Europe of the nations, which is what constitutes the European continent’s distinctive characteristic,” he said.

Dr Sant expressed his deep gratitude to those thousands who considered him worthy of their confidence.

Asked if their vote was a vote for euro-skepticism or a vote for him, he replied: “Primarily it was a vote of support for all that Labour has stood for in the past and stands for now under Joseph Muscat’s leadership – in defence of workers and the middle class, and in defence of the national interest.”