Small Businesses Minister Jason Azzopardi yesterday ruled himself out of the race for PN deputy leader, a day before it kicks off.
I already work 18 hours a day. It is humanly and physically impossible to meet 911 councillors while attending to my duties... If there is someone else who can do it, good luck to them.
Dr Azzopardi said he was refraining from submitting his name for the “prestigious post” because he would have to “abandon” his ministerial duties.
He pointed out that the lobbying period would have involved meeting more than 900 PN councillors individually over a two-week span. Although he was willing to serve, his “call of duty” dictated he put the ministry first, especially considering the upcoming Budget.
Dr Azzopardi said he had absolutely no right to judge anyone else and was only being honest about his own situation.
“Please don’t hold it against me for being sincere,” he said, stressing that his honesty should not be used to drive a wedge between him and his friends.
Dr Azzopardi pointed out that he had many dead-lines to meet over the next few weeks in light of the upcoming Budget and the proximity of the election.
“At this juncture, I just cannot abandon my ministry for these 15 days or three weeks. I already work 18 hours a day. It is humanly and physically impossible to meet 911 councillors while attending to my duties... If there is someone else who can do it, good luck to them,” he said. He added that this was a “very painful and difficult decision” especially considering the prestige of the role and the fact that PN councillors had urged him to contest.
“The past four days almost eroded me internally. But this is not about what I want or what I prefer. It is about my sense of duty.”
The post of PN deputy leader has become vacant following the resignation of EU Commissioner-designate Tonio Borg, prompting speculation over who will vie for the post. Leading potential candidates include ministers Mario de Marco, Tonio Fenech and Chris Said, as well as Parliamentary Assistant Beppe Fenech Adami and MEP Simon Busuttil.
The process to replace Dr Borg kicks off today, with a PN executive committee meeting. It will hear general secretary Paul Borg Olivier give a timeframe of the contest, including the period allowed for submitting nominations and the date of the actual election. An electoral commission is also likely to be set up. PN sources said the party wants a contest since it would generate publicity and revitalise the party.
Contacted for their reaction to Dr Azzopardi’s statements, Dr de Marco, Dr Said and Mr Fenech chose not to comment.