Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and PN Leader Adrian Delia have officially met as leaders of their respective parties for the first time, where they discussed a number of topics including Air Malta and free votes on ethical issues.

The Prime Minister had invited Delia to meet at the Labour Party Headquarters in Hamrun, as a courtesy visit.

During comments delivered at the start of the meeting, Muscat said that although there are differences in principles or ideas between the two political parties, that this is an essential part of political debate. Dr Muscat said the challenges that lay ahead where generational, and thus he wishes for understanding on where each party stands on issues, which would lead to better decisions.

Delia said that he did not have a relationship with the Prime Minister before, adding that the relationship between him and the Prime Minister will start at ground zero, and that they will build up from there. "I hope it will be a relationship where, if we debate, we debate ideas, but there would be one winner, the Maltese and Gozitan people."  He said that the Opposition is obliged to be hard when the government makes a mistake, but constructive. During the meeting, Delia said he spoke about 16-year-olds right to vote and his concerns about Air Malta.

Delia also said that PN policies will not be based on fear but on the creation of opportunities for the Maltese people. 

Asked for his opinion about Joseph Muscat, Delia said that, like him, he was relatively new to politics “and in the time he has been leading his party and the country, he managed to do a lot.” Delia said that he hopes this all helps in light of adversity and good competition between parties fighting to improve ideas that would be of benefit to citizens 

Speaking after the meeting, Delia said that he primarily spoke to Muscat about his worry about the uncertainty surrounding Air Malta and its effect on the tourism industry. "I extended my invite that the Prime Minister consider, on moral issues, allowing a free vote to PL MPs." 

Following the meeting, Prime Minster Joseph Muscat when asked by The Malta Independent why he has kept quiet on the hunting of protected birds and whether he will stop the season, said that hunting laws had changed, “however it the Ornis committee who has the right to make that decision. I without a doubt do not condone any illegalities.”

When asked about the recent situations where protected birds were being killed the prime minster continued to condemn it, but defended all those who still remain law abiding hunters.

On the meeting with Delia, Muscat said "It was a very interesting and cordial meeting.” He said that they spoke about the issues of air Malta and the opposition will be given a more detailed brief about the situation.

"It was an attempt at confidence building, so that the sour relationship which existed over the past five years with the past leader doesn't remain" the prime minster explained.

The prime minster disregarded the idea of offering free vote on certain issues which were in the manifesto stating that anyone who had any moral obligations should have spoken up before, however said that if there are issues of morality that were not included in the party manifesto  “then we will discuss it.”

When asked by other media about whether there was enough of a police presence in rural areas, Muscat said there wasn't enough police in these areas.

He was also asked about the waste situation, and said that he discussed the issue with Delia since they cannot build another landfill, and yet there are other options to deal with waste.

Delia was recently elected leader of the Nationalist party, following a two-tiered election campaign. The first phase saw the councillors vote, which saw Delia and PN MP Chris Said pass through to the second round, where Delia was ultimately victorious. Currently, Delia is in the process of sorting out his Parliamentary seat, which he would need in order to become Leader of the Opposition.

Delia recently refuted allegations that he had rejected the Prime Minister's invitation, stating that he did not fear the Prime Minister.

Back in May 2013, Muscat and then new PN leader Simon Busuttil had exchanged visits at their respective party headquarters.  

Photos by Michael Camilleri