I truly believe that through its new leader, Dr Bernard Grech, the Nationalist Party is re-emerging as a viable alternative to the corrupt government we have; a government intent on imposing its false narrative through bullying tactics and non-stop self-praise, not dissimilar to that of authoritarian regimes.

I would like to welcome Dr Bernard Grech and look forward to working with him to regain the trust of our fellow Maltese and Gozitans. Over the past few weeks, through Dr Grech's candidature, I saw people’s enthusiasm, their renewed belief in the PN as an inclusive party, one which has truly always placed the people’s well-being and progress first and as the party which places the country’s reputation at the centre of its policies.

Dr Grech is inspiring, with his calm demeanour, professional approach and clear and straightforward answers. I am sure that he will prove himself to be the right choice; a leader with real vision and strategy for all Maltese and Gozitans rather than for the very few.

Through close communication with families I met over the course of my regular house visits, I could not turn a blind eye to people’s disenchantment with the party they had once looked up to, but now did not recognise. They felt orphaned. They could not identify themselves with the party. I am not going to enter into a blame game. I believe that now is the time to move on with fresh hope and energy.

Dr Grech is the breath of fresh air every Nationalist and those not traditionally so, longed for. He entered the political fray to be of service, not for personal gain or to line his pockets.

It is very obvious he has hit the ground running and will be a catalyst. To make Malta a truly respectable European state once again is his predominant mantra.

In Parliament, I am sure that he will push forward proposals that are balanced and reflective of the actual social realities we are living in. I am more than convinced that he will succeed. I believe that Dr Grech will make inroads with the party faithful and all those followers of Dr Adrian Delia, who are undoubtedly unhappy or even angry and possibly unsure how to come to terms with the change in leadership.

I would like to believe that they will eventually return to the fold, that our principles, quest for the common good and past history will help them realise that there are no enemies within the PN and that we can all work together.

The past three years were far from the most successful years for the party. We have had strife and disagreements. But which party does not face such tests and challenging times, especially when a party has such a long history?

The party needed a good shake up, vision, steady direction. I am sure that Dr Grech is the right man for the job. The man to bring the party and country back on track.