We need a contest – Gonzi
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi insisted with his party executive members that the upcoming deputy leadership election should be contested by the largest number of candidates possible to show the PN is alive and a catalyst for change.
Aware of speculation in political and media circles that potential candidates may not contest because MEP Simon Busuttil is being perceived as the anointed candidate, Dr Gonzi said the PN was after a real contest.
A member of the PN executive said the Prime Minister insisted with all those present that a contest is the best way forward for the party.
Dr Busuttil yesterday remained tight-lipped about his intentions, saying only he was still toying with the idea of standing for the post but had not yet made a final decision.
The same response came from the other potential candidates – ministers Mario de Marco, Tonio Fenech and Chris Said.
Asked by The Times following a press conference on green public procurement about the PN race, Mr Fenech said he had not yet decided, while Dr de Marco added he would make his intentions known in the coming days.
At one point, Dr de Marco jokingly turned to Mr Fenech and told him: “I will be your campaign manager.”
Asked whether there was any agreement for Dr Busuttil to be the sole candidate, Mr Fenech said he was not aware of any such arrangement. Parliamentary Assistant Beppe Fenech Adami is also known to be considering running.
PN sources confirmed maverick MP Franco Debono – who severed his relations with the party following his vote against former Home Affairs Minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici – has already held various encounters with PN councillors to discuss the post.
“Although Dr Debono has not made up his mind yet he is seriously considering contesting the post as a sign of reconciliation with the party. He also sees himself as giving an option to those disgruntled with the current leadership,” a PN councillor told The Times.
The PN will start accepting nominations for the post from today until November 14.. The first round of the election is scheduled to take place on November 29.
If none of the candidates obtains two-thirds of the votes cast other rounds will follow until a candidate is elected.
Election for PN Deputy Leader – 1999
First round – April 25
Votes cast: 762
Lawrence Gonzi: 367 (48%)
Louis Galea: 177 (23%)
Francis Zammit Dimech: 159 (21%)
Josef Bonnici: 59 (8%)
Second round – May 2
Votes cast: 762
Lawrence Gonzi: 706 (93%)
Election for PN Deputy Leader – 2004
First round – March 18
Votes cast: 835
Tonio Borg: 510 (61.1%)
Francis Zammit Dimech: 295 (35.3%)
Second round – March 20
Votes cast: 818
Tonio Borg: 737 (90.1%)
Additional reporting by Kurt Sansone.
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80 Comments
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Lawrence Fenech
Mar 24th, 17:14
Ha ha ha, the one man race winner wants a contest. The fun has started.
E Bonnici
Nov 1st 2012, 16:00
In my opinion a contest is deemed necessary in a beauty pageant.
When choosing a leader or a deputy leader of a party (who can end up being the country's pm) it needs more than just a vote from anybody. The selection should be done after having scrutinized the background and the person's skills as a leader and not just simply because we favour him (as we say in Maltese 'bil-grazzja').
Pancrazio Grech
Nov 1st 2012, 08:05
Dr. Debono , I had supported you all the way but if you contest as a deputy leader when said party didn't want you to contest the GE then there is only one word for you. PAROLE PAROLE PAROLE
S.M. Cuschieri
Oct 31st 2012, 23:24
Dr Busuttil yesterday remained tight-lipped about his intentions, saying only he was still toying with the idea of standing for the post but had not yet made a final decision.
I personally think you are the best choice, Dr. Busuttil. Go for it !!!
E. Azzopardi
Oct 31st 2012, 15:05
But you did not have one!!
Malcolm Mifsud
Oct 31st 2012, 14:54
Like the recent comical contest for the party leadership
Mr. M. Camilleri
Oct 31st 2012, 14:25
I agree Dr. Gonzi!!!
We need the biggest CONTEST . . .
We need an ELECTION!!!!!
Monica Muscat
Oct 31st 2012, 21:22
Who is contesting that, Mr. Camilleri. Elections are not needed! They are due early next year - fullstop!
Given that you are refering to "early elections", may I point out that it seems that both the PN and the LP do not seem to want, or need premature GE.
M Grima
Oct 31st 2012, 14:20
Who said that the PN is not a circus?
John L Galea
Oct 31st 2012, 15:10
Better than the Cirque du Soleil
Monica Muscat
Oct 31st 2012, 21:29
I think you have the wrong concept of a Circus.
Everyone (but you and your ilk) realize that the Circus is a place where only the professionals excel, that frequently they risk their lives, and their job is a respected profession to which they dedicate their whole life, starting from a tender age, and frequently a family vocation.
So you are not really insulting politicians, both PN and LP.
M Grima
Oct 31st 2012, 14:18
"Dr Gonzi said the PN was after a real contest"
There is nothing real in GonziPN because everything is done to acquire sympathy and brownie points!!
M Grima
Oct 31st 2012, 14:16
"Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi insisted with his party executive members that the upcoming deputy leadership election should be contested by the largest number of candidates possible to show the PN is alive and a catalyst for change"
So contesting alone for the party's leadership is OK but for the deputy leadership there needs to be a large number of candidates.
GonziPN - what a farce!!!
godwin difesa
Oct 31st 2012, 14:16
yes i agree that it should be a race of many horses because PN needs new leadership with Dr Gonzi.One of the best for this post for my opinion is Dr Demarco he have the CV for the post of a leader.We had seen him working side by side with PM Dr Gonzi in this legislation and last week on Malta Today people showed how he was voted the best Minister which is delivering.Go for it Mario you can do it.
Mr J Xerri
Oct 31st 2012, 14:11
The contestants that really have a small chance of being elected seem to be vying away from the contest. Are we going to have a 'fake' contest?
Mr. M. Camilleri
Oct 31st 2012, 14:24
nothing new . . . like when the PM contested alone at home instead of going infront of parliament
MT Caruana
Oct 31st 2012, 13:53
May I ask......issa this election for deputy leader will be held, a new deputy leader will be elected, be it cikku or peppu, what will happen if Tonio will not be accepted in Brussels ???? What then?
Kevin Vassallo
Oct 31st 2012, 13:43
U mela halli naljenaw il poplu b dawn il buzullotti u nkomplu ntawlu z zmien halli nibqghu fil poter...u zgur dak is siggu komdu u tpappija sew min fuqu !!!!!
Mr F J Brincat
Oct 31st 2012, 13:39
Yes I agree - something like the X Factor. Bring in Cowell, he might be able to help you out.
B. Borg
Oct 31st 2012, 15:23
better in a GonziPNs Got Talent format as Stand-Up Comedians acts will win all the votes
Joe Busuttil
Oct 31st 2012, 13:37
So you need a contest do you ,Gonzipn? Even your ministers are treating this pantomime as a joke.
A. MICALLEF
Oct 31st 2012, 13:35
Gonzi needs a contest, and we need a parliament with more than two parties.
La il-PN u l-anqas il-PL mhux ta min jafdghalhom il-maggoranza. Imqar jkun hemm
tnejnu aktar indipendenti u ma jhalluhomx jghamlu li jridu, kief dejjem ghamlu specjalment
il-famuz qatt mhux ser jkun minsi GONZIPN. Ovvjament qatt ma tista tinsa dik il-muntanja
dejn li ser jhalli warajh.
victor bonello
Oct 31st 2012, 13:28
Dr Gonzi gives me the impression of Indiana Jones how he tries to evade one booby trap after the other.
Whilst he has all my sympathy, what I cannot take is the complete lack of truth in whatever he says or does.
pat muscat
Oct 31st 2012, 13:26
So a one horse's race when DR Gonzi is running: a contest when others vie for leadership!
A Tonna
Oct 31st 2012, 13:09
'A member of the PN executive said the Prime Minister insisted with all those present that a contest is the best way forward for the party.'
Dr Gonzi did not say the same thing when he wanted to be confirmed as leader !
charles camenzuli
Oct 31st 2012, 13:09
Yes the PN needs a contest and Franco Debono must be part of that contest,otherwise we would be having much of the same old thing.The PN wouldnt want to have a contest just like the one we had where the PM ran the race all by himself.Having Franco Debono as a deputy leader would give some salt to a tastless party.He sure knows how to instill some energy & new ideas where everything has gone stale.
j brincat
Oct 31st 2012, 12:55
For the love of this country we should all yearn for an election so that Malta comes out of this instability and uncertainty.
But it seems we have a circus everyday!
(jb)
Mario Camilleri
Oct 31st 2012, 12:55
There is one missing though, the Election for PN Deputy Leader – 1976/7 as well as PN leader - 1977. How come???
A Dimech
Oct 31st 2012, 12:52
Absolutely we need a contest. A big one as well. Call an Election!
Ethelbert Schembri
Oct 31st 2012, 12:43
In other words Gonzi is saying that the PN must alienate the people so that they could continue with their manja manja !!
What the country needs is the general election not his pantomime !!
Vince Cassar
Oct 31st 2012, 12:41
Naqbel mal-Prim Ministru. Jehtieg li l-PN ikollu nies li huma lesti li jservu lil pajjizna. M'ghandi l-ebda dubju li hemm nies kapaci bhal ma kien hemm fil-passat. Dan huwa mument fejn il-PN rega qed jiggedded ghall-kuntrarju li qed isir fl-MLP. Biddlu l-leader u baqghu l-istess nies!!
fred sammut
Oct 31st 2012, 12:40
contest for leader or deputy???
Manwel Portelli
Oct 31st 2012, 12:40
The PN is bleeding profusely and it needs talented people to be reintegrated within the party to recuperate itself.
Franco Debono would be an asset to the party and I agree that he should contest the election for party deputy leader.
New ideas would revive what is left of a dying party.
George Calleja
Oct 31st 2012, 12:39
Jekk FD jiddeciedi li johrog ikun hareg ta mazetta kbira. Mela nesa kemm ghajjar lil PN li hija oligarkija? Issa irid ikun parti minn din l-istess oligarkija? Sewwa jghidu hafna li l-ambizzjoni wahda tieghu hi li jinghata kariga. Arah jahdem ma min tant kasbar f'din l-ahhar sena. Imbaghad jigi jghid li hu m'vvutax kontra Gonzi ghal hatra ta kap?
Daniel Borda
Oct 31st 2012, 12:38
Dear Dr. Gozi, you are a real gentle man whom I really admire. You were strong through out the past 4 and a half years and you're still going strong. Despite the difficult moment the party went through the change has been ongoing. New cabinet members, new party officials and so on and so forth. This is not the case with MLP, with the same faces for more than 30 years!!!
P Cauchi
Oct 31st 2012, 19:25
Eh???????????
Eddy Privitera
Oct 31st 2012, 21:41
Daniel Borda: So strong that he did not have the courage to bring motions and certain Bills to a vote in parliament ! If he was the kind of leader you say, would he be lagging so far behind in the opinion polls ?
Pancrazio Grech
Nov 1st 2012, 08:14
Daniela please don't insult our intelligence . If PL have the same faces what about Gonzi PN. Same faces in parliament , same faces in Brussels and ambassadors like RCC who has been ambassador for the past 25 years or so. so think before you write.
Peter Frendo
Oct 31st 2012, 12:36
Well done Prime Minister. PN has been going through change along the years. I admired you when you changed almost all the Cabinet to introduce new blood. This is not the case with MLP where a large number of MP who have been there for more than 30 years will contest the next general election. Is this the change Muscat is talking about??
W Cassar
Oct 31st 2012, 13:43
Wow the PN billboard effected one person amazing.
Victor Gauci
Oct 31st 2012, 12:32
I think that it s a good idea that Franco Debono contests. The party needs new blood and new ideas.We remember Tony Abela,he might have been regarded in a different light way back then,he even formed his own party.Today Tony Abela is an important figure in the PL.
The Nationalist Party would do well to recognize the signs of the times.
Franco Debono has lots to offer.
Anthony Mizzi
Oct 31st 2012, 12:20
We need an election, not a contest, it will do the job for you!
This is all Dilly-DALLIying!
James Dimech
Oct 31st 2012, 12:13
Simon Busuttil needs to be elected to the fore of the Nationalist Party as soon as possible.
It is only in this manner that PN can be an alternative to all the disgruntled people who are voting for Muscat because they have no other choice.
B Attard
Oct 31st 2012, 13:31
are you so sure?
Mr. M. Camilleri
Oct 31st 2012, 14:23
serraħ rasek!!!
Dominic Chircop
Oct 31st 2012, 12:02
Rather than speculating on whether Dr Debono will contest or not, or on who the contestants might be, it would make more sense if you knew how many of the circa 900 kunsillieri were elected by their sectional committees, and how many were appointed directly by the stamperija crowd. This would indeed be an eye opener, and explains a lot !
Pierre Vassallo
Oct 31st 2012, 12:43
Your comment shows that you have no idea how representation in the General Council works. I suggest you should do dome reading before raising doubts.
Pippo de Marco
Oct 31st 2012, 12:01
Conveniently forgetting his 'Shallow talent pool' comment, the PM now wants us to believe that PN is 'alive and a catalyst for change'. Yet only a few weeks ago he was urging us to support his tried and tested policies.
Seemingly, the PN talent pool isn't as shallow as its leader's memory.
Its time for Dr Gonzi to get new script-writers, or become his own catalyst for change and resign.
Mario Scicluna
Oct 31st 2012, 11:52
Dr. Gonzi, il poplu mhux fares u 'gimmicks' ta' taparsi tigrijiet ta' kandidati wahedhom etc jrid, imma li nharsu lejn futur ahjar, xoghol, stabilita, edukazzjoni, sahha u opportunitajiet indaqs ghal kulhadd!
Missek ilek li ndunajt Dr. Gonzi li hlejt hafna zmien prezzjuz tal-pajjiz billi wikkejt glied intern fi hdan il-PN u ghabbejt pizijiet zejda u ngusti fuq il-poplu! Mbasta zort il-kcejjen!
m. borg (slm)
Oct 31st 2012, 11:46
Has gonzipn taken into consideration the fact that Tonio Borg might not make it as a commissioner?
What then , will gonzi ask Tonio or Simon to relinquish the post?
edgar rossignaud
Oct 31st 2012, 12:18
@ m.borg - The Deputy leader need not be a Member of Parliament, similar to Toni Abela of the PL. The by-election for the parliamentary seat will be held after the approval - or not, of Tonio Borg. Hope that clarifies lots of misconceptions and speculation.
joe micallef
Oct 31st 2012, 11:44
I agree with the Gonzi contest battle cry...............how about a song festival?
Keep on with the fun works there at my choice PN!!
Michael Magri
Oct 31st 2012, 11:43
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi insisted with his party executive members that the upcoming deputy leadership election should be contested by the largest number of candidates possible to show the PN is ALIVE and a CATALYST for change.
Well then Mr Prime Minister.. By the same token, what was the PN on your `one-man-race` leadership`s election....!!! Dead and Indifferent..!!??!!??
Franco Attard Trevisan
Oct 31st 2012, 11:41
A deputy leader who is barred from contesting a general election hmmmmm... just when you think you've seen it all... never a dull moment!
John L Galea
Oct 31st 2012, 11:39
He didn't say the same when he contested for leader.. do you remember the one man race?
GonziPN is a sitcom better than Will & Grace.
If Franco Debono contests for deputy leader he would have scraped the bottom of opportunism and will lose completely his credibility.
Justin Brincat
Oct 31st 2012, 11:32
I think that this is the right time for the nationalist party to reconcile with Franco Debono and deal with his issues. For the past four years, among other issues, he has been preaching about the dignity of parliament and democracy. These issues are intended to strengthen the country. The PN needs a change in the ideas and Franco will be a good contributor.
Mike Chircop
Oct 31st 2012, 11:31
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi insisted with his party executive members that the upcoming deputy leadership election should be contested by the largest number of candidates possible to show the PN is alive and a catalyst for change.....and not another like his own one horse race
m. borg (slm)
Oct 31st 2012, 11:28
Did gonzi state the same when he ran solo for the leadership race.?
Puerile !!!
Mr. M. Camilleri
Oct 31st 2012, 11:24
Bħar-ritratt . . . ix-XOGĦOL IMĊAJPAR Dr. Gonzi!!!!!
fred fellon
Oct 31st 2012, 11:23
Sur Gonzi, Why don't you give Malta an early Christmas gift by calling an early General Election.
S. Bonello
Oct 31st 2012, 12:35
Good idea.
And hopefully the majority of the Maltese people will be happy to see you go.
Problem is the alternative 'gift' still remains to be opened !?!
Mr ALBERT LEONE GANADO
Oct 31st 2012, 11:23
Some lateral thinking and putting on a thinking hat might suggest an alternative best way forward. Why not adopt a procedure after a change in the statute and follow the PL in electing not one but two or even three deputy PMs.
Eddy Privitera
Oct 31st 2012, 11:16
How can a person who has been barred from contesting the general election, then be accepted to run for the deputy-leadership of the party ????
j brincat
Oct 31st 2012, 12:04
As long as GonziPN clings on to the seat of power then "Everything is Possible"
But who will fall in the trap?
(jb)
Pancrazio Grech
Nov 1st 2012, 08:09
Mr. Privitera ,why are you so surprised. Under Gonzi everything is done accordingly to their needs. Later taxpayer will pay for their mistakes.
John Mifsud
Oct 31st 2012, 11:14
'The Greatest Show On Earth' - starring in the major role Dr Franco Debono and directed by Dr. Lawrence Gonzi?
This would be a must-see movie. A blockbuster.
Marco Pisani
Oct 31st 2012, 11:08
Franco Debono can bring reconciliation within the party. I don't know what this fuss is all about. Dr. Toni Abela of PL has left his party, joined another party and now he is back again with the PL as deputy leader. Franco Debono never changed his party.
John Zarb
Oct 31st 2012, 11:05
Every one must be drunk in making only comments on Dr. Franco Debono and not noticing the dates of the contest!!!!!! 29th November is too long and for sure GonziPN is playing for time.
Sewwa jghidu li Gonzi iggranfat mas-siggu tal-poter!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mr ALBERT LEONE GANADO
Oct 31st 2012, 10:56
I feel that what the PM is asking for is a sacrificial lamb to contest SB in a foregone outcome. None of the big guns aiming for leader is likely to comply. This leaves only two types of challenger Either a dissident FD who even if soundly defeated will have made a statement of defiance or some credible party faithful hoping for future appreciation of their sacrifice such as Marthese Portelli
Eddy Privitera
Oct 31st 2012, 11:13
Albert: Precisely what i believe and have posted on inewsmalta !
John Zammit
Oct 31st 2012, 10:56
For the Pn to accept Dr debono as deputy leader will be reaching the bottom after all the words he said about them
LOUIS ZAMMIT
Oct 31st 2012, 10:43
That would be fun to see FRANCO DEBONO contesting........i do hope he will do it now...let the SHOW BEGIN...we are used to everything now yes ma GONZI KOLLOX POSSIBLI
Ms D. Borg
Oct 31st 2012, 10:17
Ma nafx kif Dr Debono ma jisthix wara l-hsara li ghamel lil-partit. Mhux talli ma jahdimx f'tim, izda lanqas ghandu rispett lejn il-kap tal-partit. Hallina kwieti u rrezenja darba l-dejjem.
twanny borg
Oct 31st 2012, 10:08
inbassar li jekk fd johrog ftit hafna igib voti ghax anki min jaqbel mieghu ma jivvutalux.
j brincat
Oct 31st 2012, 10:05
There's no doubt that Dr Franco can make his 1 + 1 and so knows fully well what his chances of being elected are, if he decides to contest, after all!
(jb)
A Cuschieri
Oct 31st 2012, 10:23
That's true. The way I see it is that if he wants to go all the way with his effort he should contest.
He's been saying that there are a lot of disgruntled nationalists - some of whom are probably councillors. So he should give these people the chance to express themselves by voting for him. That way he'd give them the chance to change the party that (according to him) needs changing.
m. borg (slm)
Oct 31st 2012, 11:31
There is a difference between the disgruntled nationalists and those forming the party council which are all handpicked by the gonzi oligarchy.
The apologists' suggesstion that Frnaco should contest is only being made by those who wish to see him humiliated and not for any democratic reason.
Franco maybe an S but ain't a fool.
A. Xuereb
Oct 31st 2012, 09:43
Seeing that Dr Debono has been barred from standing in the upcoming election, can he still run for deputy leader?
J Busuttil
Oct 31st 2012, 09:56
Yes he can. No need to be an MP
Marco Galea
Oct 31st 2012, 10:10
he resigned twice from the party, and now he wants to contest ...
Please choose the reason of your report below: