'Newcomers in, some old faces out'

A number of newcomers may be included in Lawrence Gonzi's first Cabinet as some of the current ministers risk losing their job.

Nationalist Party sources said yesterday it was probable a minister without portfolio or a parliamentary secretary will be posted to the Office of the Prime Minister.

The social policy ministry, currently headed by Dr Gonzi, could be taken over by either Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg, who is expected to become deputy prime minister, or by parliamentary secretary Dolores Cristina.

If Dr Borg becomes social policy minister, his present portfolio can be filled by Parliamentary Secretary Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici. On the other hand, if Ms Cristina is appointed minister, she may be succeeded by newcomer Helen d'Amato.

Another possibility for Ms d'Amato being whispered in PN corridors is that of parliamentary secretary within the education ministry.

The feeling seems to be gaining ground that Finance Minister John Dalli, who unsuccessfully contested the party leadership election, may decide to call it a day. Josef Bonnici, a former minister, is being mentioned as the most likely to replace him.

The sources also indicate that Parliamentary Secretary Edwin Vassallo may be substituted by newcomer Tonio Fenech.

Also said to be on his way out is Resources and Infrastructure Minister Ninu Zammit.

The tourism ministry may become vacant if, as is likely, Francis Zammit Dimech loses the election for deputy leadership of the party in which case he may be "encouraged" to contest the June European parliament elections. The sources believe that Transport and Communications Minister Censu Galea and Rural Affairs and Environment Minister George Pullicino may be swapping portfolios.

Michael Frendo, another former Nationalist minister and parliamentary secretary, is being mentioned as the most likely to replace Foreign Minister Joe Borg, who is becoming Malta's first EU commissioner.

A new parliamentary secretariat could be created within the foreign ministry, a post which may go to newcomer Jason Azzopardi.

Another newcomer whose name is being mentioned is Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, possibly as parliamentary secretary for youth.