A few weeks ago, while walking through Ħamrun with party Leader Dr Alex Borg, a man stopped us to express his support. "We have a beautiful future ahead of us," he exclaimed. "The PN is managing to draw people to its fold."

Admittedly, as the election vibe grows in the air, we get quite a great deal of such enthusiastic feedback, which is incredibly encouraging. But something in this man's simple statement stuck with me, and made it stand out. It was obvious that he wants to be part of the huge groundswell that is being generated around the Nationalist Party, part of a movement that is giving hope to many, who had perhaps lost it.

In fact, his words stayed with me because they carried both hope as well as a challenge, and they made me reflect.

It is evident to all, that the Nationalist Party has the potential to win the next general election. It has the potential to address and provide the solutions for population pressures sensibly, through a new economic model that puts quality of life before unchecked numbers. The Nationalist Party has the potential to improve people's daily realities, in our hospitals, in our schools, and on our roads. The potential to deliver an environment that is not merely promised in Parliament but genuinely clean, healthy and sustainable, for us and for generations yet to come.

But what's the use of having potential, if it is not realised? What's the use of failing, in the long run, even by the smallest of margins?

Politics is about delivering results, and ultimately, yes, winning. Not for the sake of winning in itself, but to address and provide solutions to the issues that effect our families directly. Real change does not happen by accident and that is why the Nationalist Party is committed to be an alternative government, a government in waiting, one that offers the real, factual and sustainable solutions for the issues of tomorrow.

That is why, winning is much more than the competition between two major parties. It is more than the thrill of survey-making, discussion panels, rallies and the campaign trail. Winning is even more than election day itself. It is about the work of all those thousands, every contribution, visible or unseen, made by people who believe that Malta deserves better. Malta can be better.

I have been active within the ranks of the Nationalist Party since I was 16, in local committees, within the MŻPN, working in the NET TV newsroom, serving as a Local Councillor, and today I am privileged to represent my electoral district as a Member of Parliament. It took me sixteen years of dedicated work to address a General Council for the first time. My journey is not that dissimilar to that of so many others, thousands of people who are active at a local level, in our neighbourhoods, in our streets. People who toil silently, and wouldn't be known to anyone, away from cameras and applause. Yet their commitment and talents are indispensable to the operation of the party. Though they may not be speaking at big meetings, addressing crowds, they too carry the potential and the will to build a new Nationalist Government.

After 13 years, the current Labour administration is showing visible signs of fatigue. It has been running on fumes for a while now, and as it lacks the vision or ideas to be a fair Government for all, it is now resorting to the old populist playbook.

Our people are looking for change. It is evident from the ever-decreasing popularity of government in survey after the other, and that change must begin now. We are blessed to have a parliamentary group that is grounded, prepared and rich in experience. One thing brings us together: a clear sense of service to our people.

The Nationalist Party is brimming with potential, but more than that, it is ready to give its full strength to the country. Ready to bring out the best Malta has to offer.

So, as I reflect once again on my encounter with that man in Ħamrun, I feel we owe it to him, and to everyone like him: yes, together we can reach our full potential. Feet firmly on the ground, hearts with the people, and the determination to make it happen.

Darren Carabott is Shadow Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Reforms, and chairman of the Public Accounts Committee