The second thrashing at the polls in little more than a year has fomented a wave of discontent within the Nationalist Party as sources told this newspaper the “PN has not freed itself completely from the grip of the old clan” despite a new leadership .

Saturday’s landslide defeat showed the PN failed to make any inroads after the party’s top team and structures were revamped, which took place after it lost the general election by a 36,000 margin.

PN leader Simon Busuttil said the party’s aim in the EP elections was to take the fourth seat from Labour. This is still a possibility but, given the unexpected manner of the defeat, last night it was hanging in the balance.

Sources said the defeat had transformed the wave of cautious optimism brought about with Dr Busuttil’s election into a mood of resignation over “the inevitable defeat at the polls in four years’ time”.

Party activists, officials as well as a number of MPs who spoke to Times of Malta said there was a feeling of deja-vu, though the task in the wake of this defeat felt even more daunting.

It created a sense of helplessness

“With a new leadership team in place, and a host of changes to the party’s structure including the statute, the options on the table this time round are much more limited. This has created a sense of helplessness as it is far from clear what the way forward should be.”

The sources said the party machine was still a long way behind the PL’s slick organisational structure.

One MP said the presence of former PN officials at the Naxxar counting hall prompted questions from “disgusted” constituents. The MP added that their presence was justified as the party needed manpower to keep a close eye on the counting process, especially at night.

“However, I am more than convinced that more volunteers would have offered to help if these people had stayed away.”

Though Dr Busuttil still enjoys wide support within the party, Saturday’s disappointing result has inevitably put his leadership under the spotlight.

“The decision to have former Cabinet members shadowing the same portfolio they had up to March last year is a handicap, as the perception is that nothing has changed,” they said.

Party insiders added this was also a strategic mistake as ex- ministers were “easy prey” for the PL due to political baggage, thereby denting its credibility.