What a weekend...

What a weekend! We officially launched the campaign on Saturday before heading off to Mgarr, Gozo for another campaign stop later on in the evening followed by more meetings on Sunday…I also somehow managed to fit in my father’s birthday on Saturday where Ukko, the boys and myself had a quiet lunch devoid of political debates with the extended family..

Although I was a bit sceptical about a discussion event in the middle of Valletta in the last days on November, the launch went off without a hitch, the sun was out, my election website was up and running, the boys behaved, people came and asked questions and Peppi Azzopardi, who led the discussion, was brilliant as usual.

It was nice to be able to listen to people’s questions, to be able to answer immediately face-to-face and to be able to hear what they expect from their representative in the European Parliament. We need to be open about our positions, vision and thoughts - people want to hear, meet and ask their politicians and I am only too happy to have as many of these open debates as often as possible…

The event in Gozo was more low-key but just as fruitful – I’ve always considered Gozo to be one of the brightest of Malta’s many jewels and one that requires particular attention. Gozo has its own circumstances and while geographically cut off from Malta, should never be cut off economically or socially and we all need to work harder to ensure that Gozo is preserved while Gozitans are given the same chance to prosper and are not held back by a few miles of water. What I liked best about the Gozo event is that most of the persons who came either had a question on a particular matter (competition in the EU, hunting and trapping and EU funds for farmers) or wanted me to meet their friends or family members who have a problem or question.

timesofmalta.com carried a story about my campaign launch and the fact that I will be running an environmentally sustainable election campaign. Many of the posted comments referred to the sustainable campaign and have been very positive which is nice to see – it’s always encouraging to read how many people appreciate what you do, although there will always be some sceptics – who we need to try harder to convince that this is no overnight sensation but something I have always believed in, one that I will continue and that needs to be further engrained in our mentality.

On final note, do check out www.roberta2009.eu where you will find my ideas on how I will work on the issues as a MEP. Any feedback is appreciated so Be In touch!

Till next time. Off to Kalkara…

Roberta…