Newly elected Nationalist leader Simon Busuttil yesterday justified his party’s decision to have two deputy leaders, denying this was some form of appeasement.

Dr Busuttil, who was speaking after a courtesy visit to the Labour headquarters in Ħamrun where he met Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, said the proposal was intended to alleviate the burden of the secretary general.

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“When the PN was in government, we realised that all the party work fell on to the shoulders of one man, the secretary general,” he said, turning to outgoing PN secretary general Paul Borg Olivier and pressing his arms.

The decision, which awaits approval by the party councillors tomorrow, was criticised by former Nationalist MP Jean Pierre Farrugia.

Asked whether the move was a sign of no confidence in the secretary general, Dr Busuttil said there was a lot of work to be done even in Opposition.

Dr Borg Olivier said he fully supported the move.

The meeting between the two delegations, which lasted about 45 minutes, was the first such encounter between Dr Muscat and Dr Busuttil since the latter became PN leader.

Dr Busuttil is expected to be sworn in as Opposition Leader on Monday.

At the start of the meeting, before journalists were asked to leave the room – the bulk of the talks were held behind closed doors – Dr Muscat said he had a good personal relationship with Dr Busuttil’s predecessor, Lawrence Gonzi, and augured the same would happen now.

“Politically, we were tough with each other and I expect no political discounts from Simon. Likewise, he should not expect any discount from us,” Dr Muscat said, adding the advantage was that he had worked with Dr Busuttil as an MEP.

Dr Busuttil said he would extend the hand of friendship and cooperation but the Opposition would be “tough” on the Government out of loyalty to those who voted for it and in respect of its constitutional role.

No details were given on the nature of the talks.

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