Mario de Marco has submitted his nomination for the election of PN leader pledging less divisive politics and a party that was was not just for the people but of the people.

He said people wanted less politics in their everyday life but they wanted politics which were more effective.

This election needed to bring forward someone who could unite the party and open its doors to anyone who could contribute ideas and enthusiasm.

He said: “We must reflect society’s needs and not expect society to reflect theirs.”

He said that he had experience at all levels of the party, had lived the party at all its levels -from an activist when he was still a boy to section committee president, party executive, MP, parliamentary committee member, backbencher and cabinet member.

All these experiences had brought him closer to various sectors of society.

The decision to contest was not an easy one especially because of the impact it could have on his family. Public life often came at a price and it was often the politician’s immediate family who paid the price.

However, he had discussed the matter with his family since he felt that he had an import contribution to could offer the party.

Dr de Marco said that it was important that the entire party backed whoever was elected leader.

PN general secretary Paul Borg Olivier said that Dr de Marco’s nomination was testament of his commitment of sense of duty towards the party.

The electoral result was disappointing but the party could not look back and it was important that it offered a viable and strong opposition.

Nominations closed at noon. Other contenders for the post are Simon Busuttil, Francis Zammit Dimech and Raymond Bugeja.

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