Portelli rules himself out of top PN job

Former Net TV head of news Pierre Portelli has ruled himself out of the Nationalist Party's top administrative job. Contacted yesterday, Mr Portelli said he had had a meeting with Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi during which he confirmed his decision not to contest the post of PN general secretary.

Along with MEP Simon Busuttil and MP Beppe Fenech Adami, Mr Portelli was cited among the frontrunners to replace Joe Saliba, who has expressed his intention to step down after steering the PN to a third successive election victory.

Mr Portelli said: "I was flattered by the many messages I received from party supporters, council members and MPs trying to convince me to take this bold step. However, along with my family, I had already made other career plans. I have offered my full support to the Prime Minister and the Nationalist Party to which I belong. I believe that the PN needs to go through its own restructuring process as soon as possible and would be ready to give my help voluntarily but not as a full-time employee of the party."

On the other hand, Dr Busuttil was reluctant to commit one way or the other. Asked yesterday whether he was throwing his hat in the ring, the MEP replied: "Absolutely no comment."