PM may step down 'sooner than thought'

Eddie Fenech Adami may step down as prime minister in the coming months - or possibly even weeks - according to sources, who indicate he may be toying with the idea of leaving Auberge de Castille earlier than many people expected.

Dr Fenech Adami, the longest serving head of government who sealed his name in history after securing Malta's place in Europe, could be nominated to be the next President when Guido de Marco's term expires in early April.

If Dr Fenech Adami accepts the nomination, he would be the first prime minister in office to be elected President.

The issue of who will succeed Dr Fenech Adami as Nationalist Party leader has been hotting up in recent weeks. Two obvious contenders for the post are Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Finance Minister John Dalli.

A few months ago, Dr Fenech Adami told The Times in an interview he would step down during this legislature. However, he had stopped short of indicating the timing.

Many thought Dr Fenech Adami was intending to leave late this year or at the beginning of next year.

Sources close to the government said the decision over Dr Fenech Adami's future was entirely in his hands.

Dr Fenech Adami, who will turn 70 on February 7, has been party leader for over 26 years. He is also one of the longest serving prime ministers in Europe, having managed to defeat three Labour Party prime ministers at the polls.