PN in quandary over general secretary post

The identity of Joe Saliba's successor as Nationalist Party general secretary is more unclear than ever after MEP Simon Busuttil turned down the post.

Senior PN officials, including Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, were still attempting to persuade Dr Busuttil to take the post in recent days, but they must now go back to the drawing board after having had a shortlist of only one.

Two names being touted as candidates are Valletta mayor Paul Borg Olivier and MP Beppe Fenech Adami, though both were non-committal when contacted yesterday.

While Dr Borg Olivier declined to comment, Dr Fenech Adami said he would decide whether to contest at the appropriate time.

"I am continuously being approached to contest, but there are a number of issues I have to consider, such as my role in parliament," he said.

Party sources are not ruling out that there will be one uncontested candidate for the post to give the message that the party is four square behind its new general secretary.

Mr Saliba steps down at the end of June.

When contacted, Dr Busuttil said he had decided to decline the post largely for family reasons.

"Clearly, this was not a decision for me to take on my own but with my family since it also affects them directly. I also felt more inclined to stick to what I know best, namely EU affairs, and to continue serving in this area if I am asked to do so."

Dr Busuttil had moved his family to Brussels after winning his seat at the European Parliament in 2004. He also runs a successful legal firm.

"My wife and I met Lawrence (Gonzi) and (his wife) Kate to discuss this and found them to be very inspiring and understanding. I would prefer to respect the confidentiality of this meeting."

He said he was honoured by the trust that had been placed in him and hoped to continue to work hard, in whatever capacity.

Dr Busuttil, 39, described the general secretary's post - especially when the party is in government - as a herculean task.

"For all intents and purposes, the PN should treat the last election as a defeat. So the party has huge challenges ahead and it must be open to new blood without making anyone feel excluded. If the party wants to win again it must show that it is open to everyone. Thankfully, there is no shortage of competent people around. Whoever will be elected will certainly find my support and I would be willing to help him or her as I have done during this year's election campaign."

The PN's general council will convene again over the coming weekend to elect the new executive branch - made up of 13 representatives. The new executive branch will then hold its first meeting during which it will appoint the new administration, including the general secretary.