Updated: Tonio Fenech to contest PN deputy leader election
Beppe Fenech Adami will not be contesting
Video: Mark Zammit Cordina
Finance Minister Tonio Fenech yesterday confirmed his intention to contest the election for the post of Nationalist Party deputy leader.
Mr Fenech, 43, said he had decided to put his name into the hat because he felt he could contribute to the party's future, while continuing to build on its past achievements.
"It wasn't an easy decision, and was taken after the heartening news that the European Commission had decided to lift the sanctions threat over the deficit," he told The Times when contacted last night.
"This news confirmed that the country is on the right track and it will allow me to concentrate on both the Budget and the campaign. My first priority is obviously the Budget."
He said politics was a service and he was prepared to walk with the party in the challenges that lay ahead, the main one being the general election.
Mr Fenech said he was ready to serve the party as he had done for the past years.
So far, he will be running against Euro Parliamentarian Simon Busuttil. The post was vacated by Foreign Minister Tonio Borg, who was nominated to replace former European Commissioner John Dalli following his shock resignation last month.
Mr Fenech first came to political prominence in March 1996 when he was elected to the Birkirkara council.
Following the 1998 general election, he was elected mayor of the largest town in Malta and held the post until 2003 when he was elected to Parliament.
He was an observer to the European Parliament between May 2003 and March 2004 until Malta joined the European Union.
Under the premiership of Lawrence Gonzi, Mr Fenech was appointed Parliamentary Secretary in the Finance Ministry and followed through Malta's adoption of the euro single currency in 2008.
Since 2008, he has held the post of Finance Minister. On a party level, Mr Fenech has been part of the executive since 1999.
Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Mario de Marco, cited as a potential front-runner, yesterday would not declare whether he was going to contest the post.
He said he felt there was already one valid person in the contest with the possibility of other valid people joining the race.
Justice Minister Chris Said and Parliamentary Secretary Beppe Fenech Adami have also been named as potential candidates.
Nominations close on Wednesday. The first round of the election is scheduled to take place on November 29.
BEPPE FENECH ADAMI WILL NOT CONTEST
Beppe Fenech Adami said today he has decided not to run for the election of deputy leader as he wants to concentrate all his efforts on the eighth electoral district.
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Carmel Brincau
Mar 17th, 11:46
Shame on you
Charles Sammut
Nov 9th 2012, 18:11
God forbid if this guy gets the Deputy's position..THAT WOULD be the FINAL nail in gonziPN's coffin!
He is one of the major millstone around the PN's neck!
..and the beat goes on....and the beat goes on.....
Michael borg
Nov 9th 2012, 17:37
This minister has contributed to the PN's downfall and if he succeeds well, its time to say that the PL has won the election, personally Tonio is still young to fill the vacant place of Tonio Borg, insomma its a PN confusion now let's see what other disastrous decisions and big lies emerge till the end of this legislature
Mr J Xerri
Nov 9th 2012, 14:03
So a few days ago we had a PN minister declaring that he would not be contesting the PN deputy leadership race because he could not juggle his ministerial job simultaneously with running a personal campaign within the party, and now we have a Minister who on the eve of presenting the budget is contesting for the same post. Was the reason given in the first case just an excuse? Or what?
Mr leo attard
Nov 9th 2012, 13:39
and if you win we will all celebrate at Ping's chinese Buffet at Marsalforn!!!
Roberto Fenech
Nov 9th 2012, 13:12
The PN has always been a party which renovates itself with young, energetic, skilled and committed Leadership - the true meaning of change. Well done to all contenders.
Lawrence Fenech
Nov 9th 2012, 13:10
Dan ta' min jghamlu vice PM, GonziPN wieghed 20,000 + 20,000 impieg, dan qed iwieghed 350,000,000 impieg.
Mr Emanuel Farrugia
Nov 9th 2012, 11:24
"While continuing to build on its past achievements"
Ahjar Tonio Fenech jaghti spjega tajba ta' xi tfisser 'past achievements', ghax dan juri tajjeb id-'deficit' li dahhal fih lil dan 'l pajjiz. Veru tal-misthija Tonio Fenech to contest PN deputy leader election.
Emanuel Farrugia former Executive Secretary Mtarfa Local Council
silvio loporto
Nov 9th 2012, 11:12
That's exactly what the P.N.needs.
As if the P.N.is not in enough mess,with a Boy deputy leader we will be as we say in Maltese "kif All iriedna"
Was it not enough that he was one of the responsible geniu who increased our countriy's debts to astronomical levels?
One thing for sure,he won't need to bum flights to go and watch football matches,he can always use Air MALTA.
Andrew Azzopardi
Nov 9th 2012, 10:53
So Tonio Fenech has volunteered to be a trainbearer at the coronation.......
Ethelbert Schembri
Nov 9th 2012, 10:45
The conservatives are on the path to close up even further... wish you all the best but I hope this trend will not effect us all. WE NEED TO MOVE FORWARD NOT CLOSE DOWN, THANKS !!
m. borg (slm)
Nov 9th 2012, 10:31
Gonzi once complained with the american ambassador that he has a very limited pool of talent to chose his cabinet from.
I guess not only the cabinet is a problem but also the party hirearchy.
Presently the party councillors don't have much of a choice. De Marco or Said might add a little spice to the contest.
Edward Demicoli
Nov 9th 2012, 10:26
These two candidates that have stood up to be counted in what are certainly difficult times for the PN. They are both capable politicians, with Simon even gaining recognition at European level. Both gentlemen worthy of the person they would be replacing. Looking forward to this re-generation of the PN.
Joseph E Briffa
Nov 9th 2012, 10:24
To all that keep repeating parrot-like the mountain of debt. Malta's debt is a mere Eur12 500 p c much lower than that of the US and of several EU states.Another thing, it's local debt.The last issues of Govt stocks were oversubscribed & the yield was only 4%.The alarm bells start ringing when the figure is 7%.First priority is reducing budget deficit (now 2.6%),then surplus, then reducing debt.
Joseph Borg
Nov 9th 2012, 10:14
Dear God please don't allow Tonio Fenech to destroy the little decency left in the once glorious PN! Party suicide it would be if they elect Tonio Fenech!!!!
John Zarb
Nov 9th 2012, 10:11
Sa fl-ahhar forsi se jkollni "xi cuc malti" bhala deputat prim ministru:-)
Peter Murray
Nov 9th 2012, 10:08
What a surpirse! If successful lets hope he makes a better fist of this position than he did as Finance Minister.
jason cassar
Nov 9th 2012, 10:04
Personalment nahseb li Tonio Fenech huwa wisq politikament arroganti biex jimla l vojt ta Tonio Borg . Zgur li mandux il karizma ta Simon Busuttil .
Chris Vella
Nov 9th 2012, 10:00
Put together the two deputy leaders of the PL, and you could also throw in the mix the Leader, would not even make up a quarter of the experience/skills/charisma that Simon or Tonio have and can offer to their party and our country.
m. borg (slm)
Nov 9th 2012, 10:33
Nice one.
Way to go Chris next thing you'd be comparing them to JC.
Willie Grech
Nov 9th 2012, 11:35
What an arrogant argument! Do you have to involve the PL even in a matter concerning the PN only? What stupidity!!!!!!!!!!
George Camilleri
Nov 9th 2012, 11:37
pathetically out of point and extremely subjective. insomma, ma kellekx xi tghid allura ghafast playback
Charles J. Buttigieg
Nov 9th 2012, 13:45
Chris,that's your point of view as a GonziPN supporter .
Joseph E Briffa
Nov 9th 2012, 17:02
Very well said Chris; the only common factor is that both JM and SB were MEPs. There is no comparison in anything else.,
Mr Alfred Camenzuli
Nov 9th 2012, 09:22
more money in the pocket......
William Caligari
Nov 9th 2012, 09:56
don't believe everything,Alfred.!!!
Donna Parnis
Nov 9th 2012, 09:19
I think Franco Debono should go for it, Hes the only one in the PN who has the guts to speak out, and put forward real ideas. Tho when it comes to doing what he says he will do hes backs off. but at least he talks.
Francis Saliba M.D.
Nov 9th 2012, 09:27
By all means. This is a free country. Let Franco Debono stop blabbering, actually do something and "go for it". That should teach him (and his "sponsors").
Joseph Aquilina
Nov 9th 2012, 09:42
You are right HE SHOULD CONTEST!! Like that all of Malta will know that no NATIONALIST is happy about his burst of anger just because he was not given the position he felt should have been his, and for that risking all the good this administration has done!! I believe Franco can't continue talking about "clikek" unless he takes part in this election and shows us that many others from PN think him.
Lawrence Fenech
Nov 9th 2012, 10:00
@Parnis.
Dr. Franco Debono would be better off and for everybody if he contested the post of PM. The party needs spring cleaning.
Emanuel Curmi
Nov 9th 2012, 12:36
Dear Dr Saliba. You were never a fan of Mr. Debono and he has indeed a DIVA complex ( but what MP doesn't ) and yet he has a knack of hitting the nail on the head. His rhetoric may be tedious but it is turning out to be increasing (and grudgingly) prophetic while his reform proposals have taken a new dimension of importance which need to be addressed even before the new election is due.
George Calleja
Nov 9th 2012, 12:41
'but at least he talks'. Politics is about delivering....not talking!!!
Francis Saliba M.D.
Nov 9th 2012, 18:12
@Emanuel Curmi.
I make a clear distinction between being truly meritorious and being only vaingloriously notorious. That is why I am calling Dr Debono's bluff and inviting him to contest the deputy leadership of the Nationalist Party. I do not pretend to any prophetic ability but I will hazard that he won't accept the challenge.
Francis Saliba M.D.
Nov 10th 2012, 06:45
@ Emanuel Curmi.
Franco Debono is not hitting any nail on the head. He is hammering a nail, a very big one, into his head.
Eddy Privitera
Nov 9th 2012, 09:16
Neither Tonio Fenech nor Simon Busuttil will be able to rid the PN of Austin Gatt and the clique which has made Lawrence Gonzi its hostage.
Francis Saliba M.D.
Nov 9th 2012, 10:24
Neither Tonio Fenech nor Simon Busuttil can be assumed to share your hope, and Franco Debono's obsessive need, to rid yourselves of Austin Gatt and Lawrence Gonzi.
laurent caruana
Nov 9th 2012, 11:51
Itfa n-nomina tieghek Mister, la int daqshekk espert
J.C. Borg
Nov 9th 2012, 11:52
The best Minister PN ever had, Austin Gatt, already said that he will leave politics after the election. So your contribution is just blabbering.
J Martinelli
Nov 9th 2012, 13:49
Just like the MLP not being able to get rid of Jason Micallef, even after they abolished the post of Secretary General, banned him from contesting, but still managed to have his way and in so doing will challenge a party heavyweight in the same district?
saviour farrugia
Nov 9th 2012, 08:56
whether Tonio stands a chance or not is irrelevant. The most important thing is that the PN needs people like Tonio who has always been loyal and dedicated and competent to manage such a huge portfolio. The PN needs regenation and the need of young persons with fresh ideas. with Tonio and Simon and other possible candidates, this regeneration is ensured. may the best man win
Lawrence Fenech
Nov 9th 2012, 08:45
Jack of all trades. I am sure that Simon is not so willing to take this post. It goes for Tonio Borg the wrong persons in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Walter Gambin
Nov 9th 2012, 08:38
Well done Tonio!!! Like always this will give us the opportunity to choose the best out of the best!! Having a choice is always healthy. We experienced years and years (70's and 80's) when to have a choice was only a wishful dream.... Ready for another great deputy leader.
Bernard Pollacco
Nov 9th 2012, 08:38
in my opinion i thinkbsimon will win the deputy leader contest, however it will be quite close.
Bernard Pollacco
Nov 9th 2012, 08:35
@mr mangion who told you the pn is going to be in the opposition benches come march ? if you can read the future please contact me asap ive got to ask you some questions :)) thanks
A. MICALLEF
Nov 9th 2012, 08:35
Track rekord ta MUNTANJA DEJN li ser jhalli lil uliedna u wlied uliedna. Veru li jidher li
ma hemmx fejqan ghal-PN.
Giovann Attard
Nov 9th 2012, 08:24
Mela verament spicca l-PN biex Tonio Fenech ha jikkontesta l-elezzjoni ghal Vici Kap tal-PN! Dan li ghajjar lill-Maltin 'cwiec', kif jista' qatt il-Maltin ikollhom fiducja fi bniedem ta' din il-kwalita'??
isabella vella
Nov 9th 2012, 08:20
dear mr bajada.... not sure if you actually live in Malta!!! are you not aware of the way in which he has steered the helm in all the economic turmoil around us!!! whereas simon busuttil was doing well in brussels... there were much calmer waters there ..... for me TONIO FENECH always rises up to the occasion and deserves the full backing of the maltese as a nation .... FOR DEPUTY LEADER !!!!!
MT Caruana
Nov 9th 2012, 08:28
@ Upppps, so sorry for you Simon , but it seems that another person will take your place.
Lawrence Fenech
Nov 9th 2012, 08:48
@Vella.
He sure rose to 5,000,000,000, Euros dept plus 500,000 interest per day what joy.
Joe Muscat
Nov 9th 2012, 08:59
".....for me TONIO FENECH always rises up to the occasion ..."....And you would know? ;)
Mark Cassar
Nov 9th 2012, 07:52
is it possible that people like you see always something negative? what would you have said if it was only Simon Busuttil to contest?
Mark Cassar
Nov 9th 2012, 08:24
this comment was directed to Mr. Paul Bajada...
MT Caruana
Nov 9th 2012, 08:30
@ Mark Cassar,
what would you have said if it was only Simon Busuttil to contest?
Nothing new, you already did that when choosing your leader right!!!! heheheh
Bernard Pollacco
Nov 9th 2012, 08:32
exactly my thoughts mr cassar !! i wonder what they would have said if simone contested alone
George Calleja
Nov 9th 2012, 12:48
@ MT Caruana
You simply do not know the past. Nationalists leaders were always selected from various great political personalities. It's not like when Joseph was chosen when the other contestants protested against him for gerrymandering. Remember the Schults story?
Michelle Pirotta
Nov 9th 2012, 07:43
I am very happy to read this news this morning. I have deep respect for Dr Busuttil, but this country at the moment needs a hands-on person that has been there, done that.
Fenech is a quiet, but productive minister. The factories and jobs saved, privatisation at shipyards without bloodshed, new jobs in gaming and finance, restructuring at Air Malta..he is man who TAKES decisions.
Mark Borg
Nov 9th 2012, 08:06
You are so right Michelle Pirotta. He is not "xi cuc Malti"!
George Camilleri
Nov 9th 2012, 08:07
VAT abuse, outstanding defecit, hideous national debt, cwiec Maltin....
can't say i'm too optimistic about this gentleman
David Mangion
Nov 9th 2012, 08:13
Agree with you 100%
SIMON BUSUTTIL IS LACKING ESPECIALLY IN 1 PARTICULAR TALENT.
HE LACKS DYNAMISM !!!!
The next PN leader, will have to lead PN through difficult years from the opposition benches.
He will NECESSARILY need to be dynamic: the type who can raise his voice if need be.
Sorry.....imma nghid ghalija, Simon iraqqadni.
A. MICALLEF
Nov 9th 2012, 09:00
Michelle Pirotta - Fenech is part of GONZIPN and he is responsable for the financial disaster
the country is in. He is responsable for the Eur.600.000 daily interests the taxpayer is paying
on debts. He should be remebered for the BWSC and City project fiascos and so many other
fiascos. PN needs a new clean leader with no past attachments with GONZIPN.
M. Cachia
Nov 9th 2012, 09:04
I sincerely hope you are joking this morning!
Is he a man who takes decisions?
LOL
M Borg
Nov 9th 2012, 09:10
@ david mangion
Simon Busuttil is good, very good , he can drive his massage home without any shouting or banging on tables.
Michelle Pirotta
Nov 9th 2012, 11:21
@A/ Micallef - If his financial management was so lacking as you state, then why didthe EU last Wednesday come out so strongly in its Report welcoming Malta's performance in finance and the economy?
Why did Barroso mention Malta as an example to follow in "financial management"?
Remember - Malta is being involved in bailing out Ireland, Spain, Cyprus, Greece, Portugal.
Paul Bajada
Nov 9th 2012, 07:22
Does he really believe he stands a chance against Busuttil? even in his wildest dreams? what a comedy...
Francis Saliba M.D.
Nov 9th 2012, 08:04
This is neither a lottery to find a winner nor is it a comedy. This is the very serious business of public spirited persons offering their services in the service of a political party and the nation. The alternative is the perpetuation of the silly jibes of a "one-horse race", oligarchy, "cliques etc.
H. Meilak
Nov 9th 2012, 08:09
I don't think he stands a chance, but why "comedy"? What kind of entertainment do you enjoy?
M. Attard
Nov 9th 2012, 09:03
Maltese Politics is just one huge comedy.
Roberto Fenech
Nov 9th 2012, 09:22
Dear H Meilak, - the kind of comedey Mr Paul Bajada refers is to Alfred Sant calling Gooooooooooooonzi in Birzebbugia.
joseph borg st john
Nov 9th 2012, 11:35
Bajada mela hsibt li kollox orkestrat kif jaghmlu tal lejber ?
Please choose the reason of your report below: