Musician Sigmund Mifsud has been approached by the Labour Party to stand for the next general election.

However, while sources say Mr Mifsud, 38, has already told friends he accepted the offer, he was not so forthcoming when it came to speaking to the press.

When contacted, Mr Mifsud denied confirming his candidature but said he was keeping his options open.

Pressed for more information, he mentioned the upcoming Rockestra concert as one of the reasons for his guardedness.

The annual rock concert, directed by Mr Mifsud, is organised by the Malta Community Chest Fund, which is chaired by the President.

“At the moment I have Rockestra coming up and I’ve also started a company. So I have other things (to deal with),” he said.

“It’s true that the party has approached me...

“But, first of all, because of Rockestra I don’t think it is opportune, in terms of etiquette, even for the President of Malta, for certain things to be said at this stage, because it can look bad.”

Asked if this was the only thing holding him back from announcing the news, he said he was busy with other matters and did not think this classified as news at this stage.

“I have other priorities right now.... I rule nothing out. One keeps certain options open.

“Let’s face it... it’s never in your interest to say ‘no’ just like that.”

Mr Mifsud lives in Sliema and once he is officially confirmed as a candidate is likely to contest the 10th district.

He is a full-time member of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and is a professional trumpeter.

Labour sources admit that Mr Mifsud is not much of a political animal but is a well-known personality with the potential to attract voters from all quarters, particularly young people.

Both parties have been on a drive to attract fresh candidates for the 2013 election.

The Labour Party attracted some high-profile names, including the head of the pro-divorce lobby Deborah Schembri and Sliema deputy mayor Cyrus Engerer who defected from the PN.