AD spoke of the issues it believes need attention while presenting its proposals for Swieqi, Madliena and Ta’ L-Ibragg. Mr Psaila said that one of the party’s main priorities would be to ensure transparency and increase the participation of residents in decision-making. The Swieqi local council should involve residents as much as possible; they have the right to be informed about what is going on in their locality, he said.

Parking in Swieqi at weekends and in summer is a major problem due to the large number of non-residents going to Paceville, continued Mr Psaila. He said the Swieqi local council should receive greater assistance from local government to handle the amount of waste generated at weekends and in summer.

The AD spokesman said that the Swieqi local council should start thinking of having a civic centre where residents can be involved in social, cultural and sports activities. This, he said will help create a tight-knit community. Playing fields, gardens and sports facilities should be available to residents for recreation.

AD Chairman Harry Vassallo said that AD is putting forward quality candidates for the imminent local council election and Mr Psaila is a prime example. “The presence of AD councillors ensures a breath of fresh air in councils that are unfortunately ridden with partisan pique”, he continued.

The chairman promised that the Green party candidates will “work hard to improve the respective communities by putting the interests of the residents and the locality before those of the party”.