On 24 May next year, as European citizens we are called to make a choice. The choice isn't simply a choice between Red, Blue or Green. It is a choice of six people who shall for five years sit as members of the European Union's most democratic institution. Six people who should be capable of representing the national interest whilst at the same time believing in the European project. Six people who should be able to play as a team with their fellow counter parts being elected simultaneously across the 28 nation bloc whilst at the same time standing firm when the time demands such a stand.

The voters choice can make a difference between representatives who are interested in scoring cheap political points or representatives who are determined to achieve results for Malta and the European Union alike. The voters choice will make a difference as to who gets to participate in sensitive decision making processes such as the next European Commission President.

It also casts a great responsibility upon the shoulders of those choosing to put their name forward as candidates for the upcoming European Parliament elections. The choice of running as a candidate for the EP Elections isn't simply a choice of chance or simply a useful method to while away the time. It is a conscious choice of wanting to serve the country and its people at a European level.

For several years I have been active in the Nationalist Party, serving as the President of MZPN, the youth wing of the party, for the last three years. The choice of serving within the Nationalist Party is also not a choice of chance. It is a conscious choice; the choice of the party with true European credentials, the choice of the party whose political foundations rest upon giving the utmost importance to the national interest and the betterment of society. The opportunity of being active within the youth wing of the party has also served to highlight a simple notion. Youths are very much part of the present and not only part of the future. This is true not only on a local level but indeed on a European level. A youthful voice in the European Parliament also serves to cement this notion whilst giving our representation the best possible opportunity of truly holistic representation.

Sadly for others these elections are merely a glorified retirement plan, for what other reason other than retiring in a spectacular fashion could avid Euro-sceptic Alfred Sant have in throwing his name into the hat? The European Parliament is no retirement home. It is a place where the European project and national interest must balance each other out. It is a place where together as Europeans we can achieve the best possible results for our Europe. It is a place where energy, determination and a belief that success is possible go a long way in achieving successful results.

Having gained some useful experience on the local level and thus having learnt whom I intend to represent if elected, I am eager to serve. Politics is about the desire to contribute actively and hands on towards a better society. Politics is about the desire to play an active role in the building of a better tomorrow. The opportunity to serve in the European Parliament is one such way in which I believe I can give my share in the building of a better tomorrow. It is this hope, energy and determination that I hope to take with me all the way to the European Parliament.     

Kevin Plumpton is  a Nationalist Party European Parliament election candidate