Malta selects new prime minister

The governing Nationalist Party in Malta has chosen Deputy Prime Minister, Lawrence Gonzi, to take over as the new head of government.

Mr Gonzi took 59% of party delegates' votes and won after his nearest rival, Finance Minister John Dalli, withdrew.

Mr Gonzi is expected to take over from Malta's veteran leader, Eddie Fenech Adami, once the Mediterranean island nation joins the European Union in May.

Mr Fenech Adami has been prime minister for all but two of the past 17 years.