Finance Minister Tonio Fenech and MEP Simon Busuttil will go head-to-head later this month for the deputy leadership of the Nationalist Party, it was confirmed yesterday.

“Two is company, three’s a crowd,” said Tourism Minister Mario de Marco yesterday afternoon, two hours before the submission deadline.

He was addressing a PN press conference on a new party billboard together with Justice Minister Chris Said.

Both ministers had been touted as possible contenders for the role vacated by Tonio Borg but it was revealed last Sunday that they had endorsed the candidature of Mr Fenech, together with most Cabinet members.

Asked why they did not submit their names for the contest, Dr Said said he preferred to focus on his ministerial duties and the upcoming electoral campaign.

Dr de Marco said both those standing were good candidates with excellent qualities, adding that PN councillors faced a tough decision. Whoever they chose would not be a mistake. However, he was convinced that he should continue to contribute by focusing on his ministry and persuading the electorate to keep the PN in government.

The deputy leadership election, among about 900 PN councillors, will be held on November 30.

Although Dr Busuttil initially seemed to be a clear frontrunner, party sources said Mr Fenech may have become the favourite.

While Dr Busuttil was endorsed by 26 party members, Mr Fenech presented an impressive list with 138 endorsements.

Health Minister Joe Cassar is the only Cabinet member backing Dr Busuttil while Mr Fenech has the support of at least seven ministers.

The sources said he was also being backed by Transport Minister Austin Gatt, even though his name, like that of Resources Minister George Pullicino, did not feature on any of the lists.

The sources pointed out that Mr Fenech was being backed by all the people who were expected to vie for the position of deputy leader: Dr de Marco, Dr Said, MP Beppe Fenech Adami and Land Minister Jason Azzopardi.

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