Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi is to contest the seventh district, in addition to the second, in the March 9 election, The Sunday Times has learnt.

The PN is clearly attempting to capitalise on Dr Gonzi’s popularity to potentially make inroads into what is traditionally a Labour stronghold

The district – made up of Żebbug, Dingli, Mġarr, Mtarfa, Mdina, and Rabat – has been the traditional home constituency of Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando since 1996.

The MP, who earlier this year broke ranks with the Nationalist Party to become an independent parliamentarian, notched up 2,824 first-count votes at the last general election, the highest among the 21 candidates.

The PN is clearly attempting to capitalise on Dr Gonzi’s popularity to potentially make inroads into what is traditionally a Labour stronghold. Dr Gonzi will also hope to absorb the votes of Dr Pullicino Orlando, who is not contesting the general election and has been banned from the PN.

The other candidates on the seventh district are Tony Abela, David Agius, Antoine Borg, Joe Cassar, Ċensu Galea, Peter Micallef, Philip Mifsud, David Vassallo and Edwin Vassallo.

Dr Gonzi will again contest the second district, a strong Labour fortress which traditionally elects four PL parliamentarians out of five.

The Prime Minister had contested the delicate ninth district in the 2008 election.

The Nationalist Party will instead field new deputy leader Simon Busuttil on the ninth district, a district this time made up of Swieqi, Għargħur, Ta’ Xbiex, San Ġwann and Msida.

Dr Busuttil will also be contesting the 11th district, comprising Mosta, Balzan and Attard.

It will be the first general election for the popular lawyer, who in 2009 polled a whopping 28 per cent of the national vote in the European Parliament elections.