Outgoing Prime Minister Joseph Muscat gave some advice to Labour supporters on Sunday, telling them to give support and unconditional loyaltyt o the new Prime Minister, but asked them not to follow the new PM “like a horse with blinkers.”

Speaking in Ta’ Sannat, a locality he visited as part of his so-called farewell tour, Muscat said: “I am not telling you to follow the new Prime Minister, whoever it may be, blindly. I am telling you to provide them the space and unconditional support because I know both Fearne and Abela very well and I know that they have the vision to push us forward.”

Muscat was accompanied by his wife, Michelle, and by the two Labour leadership contenders.

Muscat said he has full faith in Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne and PL MP Robert Abela. “I will step down as captain, and be their sailor, standing by their side. I appeal to all members to do the same,” said Muscat.

He asked that all members who are qualified to vote on 11 January do so, and to vote for who they believe would be the best leader.

Muscat thanked all the Gozitan families and businesses and gave heartfelt thanks to the four Gozitan deputies who have served by his side; Franco Mercieca, Clint Camilleri, Anton Refalo and Gozitan Minister Justyne Caruana.

He said that they have all contributed to changing Malta and giving back to Gozo. He also said that the first Gozitan MEP – Josianne Cutajar - is serving in Brussels.

“I will not say Gozo is ours, but Gozo belongs to the Gozitans, and we want to ensure that it remains that way. We will ensure more work, investment and jobs for Gozitans and the youth of Gozo.”

Muscat recalled how parts of Gozo were as quiet as ‘cemeteries’, but now they are places for innovation and work for the future of Gozo.

“We have one of the best medical schools (Barts University of London) open in Gozo, and that was a political choice. If we wanted, we could have opened the school in Malta, with less hassle, but we made the choice that this investment should take place in Gozo and I can be certain that whoever comes after me will insist for more investment on this island.”

He recalled how, during his time as Prime Minister, he and Michelle were targeted with hateful comments or criticism.

“We have been targeted many times for no reason, but that is part of being in the public eye, and we grew a thick skin. Every time we were attacked, we felt your support and love, the support from the people, so that we could continue moving forward,” Muscat said.

He said he has nothing against people who are protesting against him, but he cannot tolerate those who disrespect the police and army. “We have soldiers and police officers doing their duty. I am thankful for the women and men who put themselves out there to help others and help rescue lives.”

Once Muscat finished his speech, he was joined by contesters Chris Fearne and Robert Abela on stage.