We are heading for a very important local council election in Qormi. And I use the word ‘important’ advisedly, as these elections are being overshadowed by the current political turmoil in Malta. Once more, we have to place these local elections in the context of the general scenario around us.

Thirty-four localities are going to elect their local council this year. Thirty-four localities in Malta and Gozo that have thousands of families, elderly people, youth organisations, small businesses, band clubs, shopping malls, bars and restaurants, historical sites, natural heritage and much more.

Qormi is one of the localities that has a huge cultural heritage, a thriving business community, numerous sports and voluntary organisations, a population that is still one of the largest on our island, and a rich history that dates back to the Roman era.

There is no doubt that all the residents of Qormi want to keep this wealthy city they inherited alive. People want prosperity, work, and a better standard of living. Here, the answer is two-fold: a) you must have a local council that works towards this aim, and b) a government who really strives hard to assure that you and your family get what you really deserve.

Let me start with the first issue. As a candidate for the Qormi local council it is a top priority for me to assure that this locality continues to progress and produce citizens who also contribute on a national level. The idea of progress refers to the fact that Qormi can become increasingly better in terms of quality of life, business, job opportunities, cultural events, and other aspects that distinguish this locality from others.

Everyone knows that I am contesting this election as a PN candidate. But there is more than just politics when working on a local level.

We have to be proud of the fact that during the past years several projects were accomplished by the Qormi local council, many of them funded by government schemes or public funds.

As a group of councillors we need to work harder and invest more energy in new projects and initiatives. We need to enter into EU programmes and take advantage of various opportunities that arise. That is how we can assure a better living for all residents of Qormi. Because they deserve the best, nothing less!

Now, let’s bring this same argument to the national platform. One must keep in mind what was said by Joseph Muscat when he was chosen as leader of the PL – he promised “a new way of doing politics” because he also believes that people deserve the best.

We were promised “an earthquake”. And what did we experience? Nothing. Today there is still a clear-cut distinction between the PN government and the PL of Joseph Muscat. Labour is proposing nothing. The only word we are hearing from Muscat’s side is ‘change’, exactly like his predecessor.

In France, Socialist presidential candidate Francois Hollange is also hammering home a message based on the importance of change, saying “the time for change is now” − a slogan that we’ve been hearing for ages now.

In the first weeks of the US presidential campaign, Mitt Romney used the slogan “Keep America American”, and again, this is a ‘stolen’ catch phrase from the 1920s. Maybe it is cool to use recycled slogans for election campaigns. And Joseph is doing the same.

In the end, people do not want slogans and nice words. People want concrete proposals and facts. The days of blue and red are over. No one is carried away by flashy backgrounds and trivial phrases. Above all these, there is the national interest of our country.

That is why I urge all the residents of Qormi, Vittoriosa, Siggiewi, Attard, Birzebbuga, Floriana, Gzira, Gharghur, Hamrun, Kercem, Luqa, Marsaxlokk, Mosta, Munxar, Paola, Qala, Safi, San Lawrenz, Santa Lucija, Swieqi, Xaghra, Haz-Zebbug, St Paul’s Bay, Balzan, Marsa, Ghajnsielem, Qrendi, St Julian’s, Kirkop, Zurrieq, Nadur, Zebbug (Gozo), Iklin and Dingli to take into consideration what is in the best national interest – because that will surely affect their daily lives in their locality. A vote for all the candidates on the PN ticket is a 100 per cent guarantee for a better quality of life, for you and your family. Think about it!

Robert Cremona is a PN candidate for the Qormi Local Council