Nationalist MPs this evening unanimously expressed strong backing for the prime minister and called on Franco Debono to withdraw his current position, show loyalty to those who elected him or else consider resigning from parliament. It was agreed, however, that Dr Debono would not be expelled from the group, informed sources said.
In a statement after a meeting of the parliamentary group, the PN said that the group considered Dr Debono's behaviour as a serious act of disloyalty and impropriety towards the leadership and structures of the PN as well as to his colleagues, the members of the party and his constituents.
While it recognised the role of every MP to express opinions and ideas for internal debate within the party, this should never prejudice the collective decisions of the party.
"No one had a right to threaten the stability of the government and the country, especially in the current international scenario. No one has a right to betray the wishes and intentions of his constituents. In such a case, the only honourable thing is to resign from parliament," the PN said.
During the 90-minute meeting, the prime minister explained the situation and said the holding of a general election at this time would not be in the national interest.
The government would not be the one to bring itself down, as happened to the Sant government, Dr Gonzi reportedly told the group.
The sources said the MPs discussed all possible scenarios and options, including the holding of an early election.
There was criticism during the meeting of the level of criticism against Dr Debono and his relatives, notably on the internet. MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, who has reiterated his support for the government, said criticism of these personal attacks was the general feeling in the PN Parliamentary Group.
"Even the Prime Minister spoke out very strongly against these personal attacks which are obviously complicating an already complicated situation."
The meeting was called after Dr Debono declared he will no longer support the government in parliament. He has also declared he will vote against the government if a confidence vote is called.
Dr Debono did not attend the meeting.
Asked for his reaction during Bondi' +, Dr Debono said the reaction was being given by the people. He pointed to the messages of support he was receiving on SMS.
Asked why he had not made public his various letters of resignations from the PN months ago, Dr Debono said he never withdrew his resignations and he told the PN to make them public. He did not wish to make his resignations public because he had acted with a heavy heart, he said. But one should ask why the PN did not make the resignations public either.
This evening's meeting followed a Cabinet meeting held yesterday and a meeting of the PN administrative council earlier today. The PN executive committee meets tomorrow.
Most MPs would not comment when they arrived at PN headquarters but Francis Zammit Dimech said Dr Gonzi should not repeat Alfred Sant's mistakes. Dr Sant in 1998 when faced with a situation similar to the present had linked a parliamentary vote with a vote of confidence in the government and was forced to call an early general election when Dom Mintoff voted against.
Infrastructure Minister Austin Gatt when asked by reporters if a general election would be held soon, said that Franco Debono should resign.