De Marco, Said not expected to contest - Seven ministers back Fenech
Seven minister have backed Tonio Fenech.
Ministers Mario de Marco and Chris Said are not expected to contest the Nationalist Party’s deputy leader election, according to sources.
This means the November 29 election is likely to be a two-horse race between MEP Simon Busuttil, who first declared his intentions, and Finance Minister Tonio Fenech.
Mr Fenech yesterday released a nomination list showing he is supported by seven Cabinet members, including Dr de Marco and Dr Said.
Ministers Jason Azzopardi, Giovanna Debono and Dolores Cristina and Parliamentary Secretaries Mario Galea and Clyde Puli have also lent their support to the 43-year-old Finance Minister, as did MPs Charlo Bonnici, Robert Arrigo and Beppe Fenech Adami. A total of 138 voting councillors have endorsed Mr Fenech’s nomination, including a number of candidates and councillors.
“I believe the nomination list shows I have a broad base of support from people with different views who feel they can work with me in the best interest of the Nationalist Party,” Mr Fenech told The Sunday Times.
The party statute states that the 900 Nationalist councillors who vote in the deputy leadership election may endorse the nomination of other contenders, though few choose to do so.
Party insiders who spoke to The Sunday Times said that the backing received by Mr Fenech effectively dismissed claims that the upcoming election would be an easy ride for Dr Busuttil.
Asked whether he feared the party machinery would lobby for Dr Busuttil’s election, especially since he was appointed as the Prime Minister’s special delegate, Mr Fenech said: “The Prime Minister has tasked Simon with the important role of a creating a structured dialogue with civil society.
“During the past nine years the Prime Minister has entrusted me with the responsibility of managing the country’s economy and finances, creating jobs and to lead a number of difficult reforms such as the introduction of the euro and the restructuring of Air Malta.
“I can assure you there is no party machinery pushing any candidate and the Prime Minister has already been very clear that he wants an open and fair contest.”
‘Two-horse’ race to be PN deputy
Mr Fenech said he was encouraged to throw his hat into the ring after positive news emerged last week that the European Commission had lifted the sanctions’ threat over the deficit.
The upcoming Budget is expected to be presented in the week of the PN’s contest, giving Mr Fenech the maximum political exposure.
“I’ve worked with ministers for a number of years and they are aware of my capabilities.
“Ultimately, both Simon and I have our fair share of political capabilities and achievements and there will be nothing less than friendship between the two of us.”
Dr Busuttil’s nomination for the Nationalist Party deputy leader contest is so far endorsed by 26 party members, including former European Commissioner Joe Borg, Health Minister Joe Cassar, party Whip David Agius, the president of the PN’s administrative committee, Karol Aquilina, MP Jean Pierre Farrugia and young MPs Karl Gouder and Joseph Falzon.
The winner will replace Tonio Borg, who quit as PN deputy leader after the Prime Minister nominated him to replace John Dalli as Malta’s European Commissioner.
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ANTHONY PAVIA
Nov 12th 2012, 11:58
"effectively dismissed claims that the upcoming election would be an easy ride"
Here, tickle the other one!
Charles Sammut
Nov 12th 2012, 09:03
Just what the island needs. Hopefully this guy will win the Deputy Leadership race...and then together with the excess ballast of his mate gonzi the, gonziPN vessel will sink to the bottom of the Opposition benches!!
...and the beat goes on...and the beat goes on....
George Camilleri
Nov 12th 2012, 08:01
and somehow the PN manage to brush off any hopes of rekindling faith in floaters and ex-PN followers. The curse of when the seemingly many (PN MPs) are led like sheep by the few (PN MPs and non-MPs).
Time will hand out its lessons eventually.
Jonathan Camilleri
Nov 12th 2012, 06:59
Good luck to both contenders, Fenech and Busuttil.
Claudio Azzopardi
Nov 12th 2012, 06:49
Din tkun l-ahhar daqqa mortali ghall PN qabel l-elezzjoni. Issa iktar qed nikkonvinci ruhi iktar minn qabel min dak li qall John Dalli, cioe li l-PN spicca, u li mghadux darna.
M. Attard
Nov 12th 2012, 04:39
Two horse race !!!!!! they are better difined as crabs, walking sideways or backwards.
Anthony Paul Naudi
Nov 12th 2012, 01:46
ser tkun tellieqa tajba. Kullhadd irid isib xi jmaqdar fuq haddiehor imma kif qal Gesu', jitfa l-ewwel gebla min huwa bla dnub. Id-destin tal-individwu hadd ma huwa ser jibdlu, la ta' min jikkritika, la l- P.L. u l-anqas l- P.N.
A.P.Naudi
George Azzopardi
Nov 12th 2012, 01:24
Simon Busuttil is an EU puppet, similar to what Dr.Borg Olivier was to the British Queen!!
Pippo de Marco
Nov 11th 2012, 23:09
Why would Mario want to be Deputy Leader of the Opposition when he could and should be Prime Minister of a credible PN government ... After Gonzi has gone, that is.
J. Scicluna
Nov 11th 2012, 22:28
Obviously not...they are waiting for a bigger prize; the empty Capo's chair!
joseph borg
Nov 11th 2012, 22:21
tellieqa bejn il-hbieb jew ahjar ahwa. Jirbah min jirbah mhux se jkun hemm heart feeling
(J. Borg)
Victor Vella
Nov 11th 2012, 22:02
Every photo tells a story.
Franco Farrugia
Nov 11th 2012, 21:52
Does the PN want new blood and fresh ideas? If so, do not put Fenech as deputy leader.
That is, if you seriously want to run for the next government.
Put Fenech and rest assured that you will spend years in Opposition - the death-knell of the PN.
But it seems quite clear now that the PN Ministers are far too arrogant and out of synch with what the people think, to care about change.
Edgar S. Galea
Nov 11th 2012, 21:42
Heartiest congratulations to be successful in the deputy leadership Minister Tonio Fenech.
mark borg
Nov 11th 2012, 21:10
unbelievable- he is shouthing about his results as a minister in economy when 40 percent of the 6 billion euro in debts the country has accumulated was during his period !
JG. Briffa
Nov 11th 2012, 20:31
Ezatt kif qal Franco Debono mil kilikka ghal klikka kellu ragun ghal darba ohra
J Martinelli
Nov 12th 2012, 01:37
U min hemm fil-klikka ta Debono ?
Kieku Debono mexa ta ragel, kieku zgur li kien jikkontesta, imma minn barra, jhares il-gewwa biss jista.
Jista jwahhal f'min irid, imma t-tort kollu tieghu.
Tghid Joseph Muscat m'ghandux 'klikka' tieghu? F'dak il-kas, wiehed irid jeskludi lill-Jason Micallef, miskin.
Ethelbert Schembri
Nov 11th 2012, 20:30
It will be a very nice donkey race..
Ronnie Callus
Nov 11th 2012, 20:21
At least the race is going to be between two horses and not one as done by Dr.Gonzi.
Eddy Privitera
Nov 11th 2012, 20:20
It is quite obvious that Simon Busuttil does not enjoy the support of the vast majority of the cabinet ! I have always considered Simon more as a EU fanatic than a PN one !
Malcolm Seychell
Nov 11th 2012, 20:40
Agreed. He doesn't care of Malta. His priority is the EU and its puppets
connie sullivan
Nov 12th 2012, 09:36
@ Malcolm - I find your comments way out of line. I think that if Dr. Busuttil does not care about Malta, he would not have accepted to contest the election, knowing that by time he would have to give up his post in the EU parliament.
Mr Joseph Vella
Nov 11th 2012, 20:17
Vera bniedem ta' kuragg
stephen portelli
Nov 11th 2012, 19:53
Listen guys you will be standing in the government for the coming future dont worry guys
Peppi Borg
Nov 11th 2012, 19:45
Is this the immediate end of Busuttil's aspirations to lead the party? If on the other hand Busuttil is confirmed would that be a no confidence vote in the cabinet?
Hossam Helwani
Nov 11th 2012, 19:43
This is a glorious time for the PN, while the opportunists are knocking at the red doors of mile end hamrun with the hope of being given a good job by young joseph, the rest are the ones who are really worth their bacon. While joseph muscat's train is clattering with empty pots and pans, Gonzi still has good brains and who knows, the chances look bleak for those who have no hope but it can work.
Charles Massa
Nov 11th 2012, 19:42
Minn irid ikun vici kap ta partit li dalwaqt ikun fl oppozizzjoni!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Schembri Ray
Nov 11th 2012, 19:36
I think it's going to be the same name. Tonio (Borg) out and Tonio (Fenech) in. Well I think he deserves it.
GL Calleja
Nov 11th 2012, 19:26
This race between Simon Busuttil and Tonio Fenech is no scientific task.And the winner is Simon Busuttil unless the whole GonziPN is gone nuts.Tonio Fenech is one of those weights holding DR Gonzi down and it will be foolish for the others to vote Tonio Fenech in as Deputy PM.The PN needs new blood and not more hindrance.The Deputy PM is there to replace the PM if anything happens.
K Cassar
Nov 11th 2012, 19:20
pn needs new people....
Joe Grech
Nov 11th 2012, 19:12
What happens if Dr. Tonio Borg does not become Commissioner? Such a happening is quite improbable as in Brussels it's not a person's intrinsic capabilities that matter but his political connections. That at least partly explains why Brussels has become a real mess.
Greece's problems are still there Tonio Fenech!
Lawrence Fenech
Nov 11th 2012, 19:21
@Joe.
My guess is that if Tonio does not make it the budget will end up end of December wishing us all a Happy New Year.
Saviour Cachia
Nov 11th 2012, 19:09
I am causing a rebus, though the matter does not interest me a hoot. It is interesting reading the comments. The pity is that those expressing their opinion just not express their political allegiance. Likewise their opinion will have more weight, especially when talking of cliques. As Labour Party member I just say it is up to you NP Councillors. Whatever you say goes.
Anthony Mizzi
Nov 11th 2012, 19:01
The less the merrier : )
Lawrence Fenech
Nov 11th 2012, 18:53
It seems that everyone is being posted where they do not want to be. It's becoming one big show.
Joe Grech
Nov 11th 2012, 18:53
The Deputy Leadership race will happen provided that Tonio Borg actually becomes Commissioner. I believe this will probably happen as in Brussels it's not your capabilities that are important but your connections....
Tonio Borg took a week's private lessons and has suddenly become Food Expert! Risable...No wonder the E.U. is fast disintegrating.
connie sullivan
Nov 11th 2012, 17:37
I agree with you Mr. Borg. I hope that the ones who are entitled to vote for the VICI KAP election, will take in consideration what the voters for the next general election are after. I.e a fresh start within the PN. This can only be achieved with Dr. Busuttil as Vici Kap. People respect and trust him. Having any other person in this role means handling a victory to the PL on a silver plate.
Lawrence Fenech
Nov 11th 2012, 18:55
@connie.
Your friend is like the zebra crossing, now you see me now you don't.
Alfred Vassallo
Nov 11th 2012, 19:07
Yes agree but the clique wants to stay firmly in power that's why they are cornering the Party’s deputy leader election.
A. MICALLEF
Nov 11th 2012, 16:14
A very good target for the Partit Laburista ! Prosit u awguri Partit laburista ghandhom biex
tghamlu festa u xalata minn Tonio Fenech ! Tonio Fenech deputy leader gwadan kbir
ghal-GONZIPN, Demarco, Fenech Adami, Said & Co (kollha klikka parti mill gvern GONZIPN).
Joseph E Briffa
Nov 11th 2012, 19:25
Din tal-klikka issa saret farsa, mn'Alla skopriha Franco Debono. Bhala dak li qallu mhux kull organizazzjoni ghandha l-klikka xi skoperta gdida. Naturalment il-Labour ma ghandhux klikka ghax maqghud daqs is-siment. Fil-pajjizi demokratici m'hemmx monoliths bhal ma hemm fin-N Korea; l-anqas f'Kuba.
A. MICALLEF
Nov 12th 2012, 08:12
Joseph E. |Briffa - Prosit ezatt kief ghidt inti, bhal Kuba u North Korea, Demarco u Fenech Adami
ll-missier u l-iben, siggu fil-parlament ghal-familja, ghal-ulied u wlied uliedna.
Michelle Pirotta
Nov 11th 2012, 13:17
@Joseph Borg.
Definitely Simon Busuttil has a lot of appeal.
But in terms of results, I think Fenech's result is superior: managing the economy and finances through such troublesome times, is certainly no mean feat.
D Borg
Nov 11th 2012, 18:45
managing the economy & finances....?
It is only thanks to the passive savings of Maltese citizens that the economy is still stumbling along, INSPITE OF Tonio Fenech & Co.....
Lawrence Fenech
Nov 11th 2012, 18:56
@Michelle
Yes definately starting with the 500 euros per week for two years still in his pocket.
Joe Busuttil
Nov 11th 2012, 20:06
@ D Borg-----and the well run banks. I agree that the economy did well in spite of Gonzi and Tonio and not because because of their skills.
saviour marquette
Nov 12th 2012, 06:11
Of course Michelle Creating 350 million jobs is not a mean feat, trouble is Tonio does not know his left foot from his right., and the PN is for change ?
pat muscat
Nov 11th 2012, 13:14
Allura in -nies komuni Nazzjonalisti m'ghandhomx say biex jghazlu l-leaders taghhom? Daqs kemm smajna u qrajna fuq ll-leadership race tal-PL? Ippokrezija NO 1!
Joseph Borg
Nov 11th 2012, 10:31
if the Nationalist Party wants to kill any hope whatsoever of winning the next election then they should vote in Tonio Fenech.
if on the other hand they want to show that they are renewing themselves they need Simon Busuttil. Simon is obviously not one of the inner circle which is why certain Ministers are not supporting him but supporting one of their own.
John Zammit
Nov 11th 2012, 18:27
You are wrong my friend Simon is in the inner circle though also Fenech but not as much as Simon
A. MICALLEF
Nov 11th 2012, 09:22
Tonio Fenech Deputy leader, Mario Demarco or Beppe Fenech Adami Leaders = KLIKKA GONZIPN
= PN in opposition for over 25 years. Klikek, klikek and more PN klikek
joseph saliba
Nov 11th 2012, 18:24
Team qawwi. Rebbieħ.
Please choose the reason of your report below: