The future of a number of PN clubs could be hanging in the balance as the party is mulling whether to keep them or cash in by selling or leasing them, this newspaper has learnt.

A party official, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed that a review of about 65 properties serving as clubs was already under way but insisted that no decisions had yet been taken.

The official said the PN might consider selling or leasing some of them if it was felt this would be more profitable than holding on to “underutilised property”.

However, the official pointed out, any decision would have to be approved by the administrative council, which brought together the various party structures.

A review of about 65 properties serving as clubs is under way

“In this respect, I can confirm that no decision has been taken yet because the review is still in progress,” the official said.

The move is largely dictated by outstanding debts believed to be in the region of €8 million, which came to light following the last general election when the party suffered a historical defeat.

Soon after the new party leadership was installed, an aggressive restructuring process was launched which saw the closure of the PN’s printing press and the downsizing of the party’s media workforce.

While the operations of its commercial entities are reportedly “sustainable”, the huge debts accumulated in recent years have yet to be addressed.

One of the ideas floated was to make better use of the parties’ properties. Bought in the 1980s when the PN expanded its network of clubs to have a stronger reach, their importance has arguably diminished with the advent of local councils and the party media.