As Election Day looms closer we’ll bring you short interviews with those at the centre of the ballots – the candidates themselves.

The three political parties were sent the same questions to pass on to their respective candidates. To date the Nationalist party has sent no replies.

Born in 1974 in Hamrun and married to Dorothy, Luciano Busuttil is the father of 2 children Gabriel aged 6 and Kayleigh aged 3.  The lawyer will be contesting the general elections on District 1 (Valletta, Floriana, Hamrun, Part of Marsa, Pieta, Gwardamanga, Part of Santa Venera) and District 5 (Birżebbuġa, Kirkop, Marsaxlokk, Mqabba, Qrendi, Sadi, Żurrieq).

What attracted you to choose a political career? / What are the highlights of your political career?

I never liked politics, however, I started following it when Alfred Sant became leader and I liked his ideas. Then my father lost his job due to political decisions and I decided that I should not just grumble and complain but do something myself. I contested local council elections in 2001 and was elected as mayor till 2008 when I was elected in parliament.

What makes you believe in your party?

I come from a working class family who was split between PN and PL. My mother's side is staunch PN while father's side is staunch PL. I chose Labour because deep down I was always a socialist and believe in protecting everyone even from market forces, which have to remain free.

Which party values and policies do you cherish most?

The two main ones are that each child should have an equal opportunity in the future and that we should become the best in Europe.

What can you offer to the electorate and if elected are there any particular issues you will campaign for?

I am young and yet I have 12 year experience in politics and decision making process. I cannot wait to be able to work and implement all of PL's proposals. If elected in government and if I retain my portfolio, I would focus on our EU presidency and EU funding and would campaign in favour of creating jobs and training for youths who do not continue their studies.

PL is breaking away from its traditional image, while PN is slowly moving towards a more inclusive attitude. What are your views on both?

PN inclusive? More like restrictive! Many are leaving PN to either join PL or stay away from politics. At first it was not an easy concept to grasp to see people who a year before were on the other side, but to believe this is the first step towards better governance of this country were we should detach ourselves from football politics - you cannot vote for one party all your life just because you were born like this. In football you have one team all your life. In politics you should be able to switch vote according to whom you think would make a better government for the country.

Given your background (career) what policies and bill/s will you lobby for?

In my thesis I proposed a Bill regulating noise pollution. If I have the time to bring it up to date I would love to present it. I would also like to lobby for more animal rights.

What should the public expect from a new government?

The old one has simply detached itself from the people. We see things being done just before election. We see people being heard by the government only because an election is round the corner. Many people have been tricked prior to the last election, and now you cannot trust the same people who tricked you to get your vote so as to increase their own wages by €600 weekly.

How do you rate the current electoral campaign and the proposals launched so far?

PL's proposals are much better than those presented by PN for various reasons mainly being that our proposals are the proposals given to us by the people themselves. On the contrary PN had all the opportunity to do what they promised to do 5 years ago and what they are proposing now is a reaction to our proposals. The campaign was really long and I think people cannot wait for it to end.

‘Fil-Parlament ma jikbrux fjuri’ – How do you plan to be effective in Parliament?

Jikbru fjuri fid-dezert ahseb u ara fil-Parlament. Every MP can be effective in his or her own way, people have no idea of the immense work we do there as it is never publicised. To be effective in Parliament you need to remember that you are there representing the people and not yourself.

PL has been in the Opposition for years. Is the party ready to govern? Why?

We were ready even 5 years ago. Now more than ever as we have never been this orgasied as we are now and we have not been as united as we are now. We are ready to govern with the people and not govern the people. We know we can do a better job than PN. To be honest one cannot be worse right?

If you are elected in parliament again and your PL is entrusted to govern, do you expect a Ministerial role and given a choice, which ministry would you opt for?

That is the leader's prerogative. I do not expect anything as I am there ready to serve. If called for I would accept any role that I might be given.