Newly-elected Nationalist deputy leader Simon Busuttil yesterday said he wants to work closely with Cabinet members who endorsed and in some cases even campaigned for his opponent.

“Perhaps it might have been better if they held back in some respect... It’s important for me to build a bridge with all MPs, including ministers, and to win their trust,” the popular MEP tells The Sunday Times in an interview.

Dr Busuttil was declared winner in Friday’s PN deputy leadership race after obtaining an overwhelming 72 per cent of the councillors’ vote.

Ten ministers endorsed Finance Minister Tonio Fenech’s nomination and the majority were not present when the result was announced.

However, two of them said yesterday there was no rift between Cabinet and Dr Busuttil.

Tourism Minister Mario de Marco and Justice Minister Chris Said told The Sunday Times they could not attend Friday night’s election because of other official engagements.

“Endorsing or supporting somebody does not mean you are against the other candidate... Dr Busuttil has my full support and loyalty,” Dr de Marco said.

The Justice Minister insisted the election showed the party was united.

Dr Busuttil says he was hurt by false rumours spread by some sections of the PN about his personal life during the campaign as well as misrepresentations of his comments about the need for reconciliation.

“But I must stress that at the end of the day I absolutely bear no hard feelings,” he said.

Dr Busuttil admitted he was surprised with the councillors’ overwhelming vote of confidence in him, and dismissed claims that the Prime Minister had campaigned in his favour behind the scenes.

Dr Busuttil said many voters had contacted him since his election on Friday to tell him his election was the injection the party needed to reduce the massive electoral gap with Labour.

The MEP also said he was prepared to take up a parliamentary seat if the Prime Minister requested him to do so.

But Parliament’s life may be cut short if MP Franco Debono votes against the Budget together with the Labour Opposition, in protest that Austin Gatt still holds a Cabinet post.

Parliament enters a crucial week with Opposition Leader Joseph Muscat’s address in reaction to the Budget on Wednesday before the do-or-die vote on December 10 which follows the Prime Minister’s reply.

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