Nationalist Party leadership candidate Mario de Marco yesterday stood by his decision not to run for the post of deputy leader, but insisted he was prepared to play any role the party felt was appropriate for him to occupy.
I am at the service of the party and my interest is for the party to unite as soon as possible
“I am at the service of the party and my interest is for the party to unite as soon as possible. I am ready to serve the party,” Dr de Marco told Times of Malta when contacted yesterday.
On Saturday, Dr Busuttil secured just over half of the PN councillors’ votes, prompting second-placed Dr de Marco to concede.
Dr de Marco was yesterday asked for his reaction to comments made on Sunday by Dr Busuttil.
Questioned on whether he hoped Dr de Marco would re-consider his declaration that he would not contest the deputy leader’s post, Dr Busuttil said: “I’m not taking any sides but someone like Mario would be eminently qualified for the job.”
Dr de Marco said yesterday: “At this stage, I do not intend contesting but I am prepared to play any role the party feels is appropriate for me.”
Dr de Marco said he did not regret running for the leadership post, saying it gave him the unique experience of meeting and interacting with councillors.
“It is a positive experience I will cherish for the rest of my life,” he said.
So far MPs Beppe Fenech Adami and Claudette Pace have expressed their intention to run for the deputy leadership post, although other possible contenders cited include former ministers Jason Azzopardi and Joe Cassar.
Shortly after the results were announced on Saturday, Dr de Marco told councillors it was time for dialogue and change in this party, urging his supporters to take his cue and vote for Dr Busuttil in tomorrow’s second round.
Writing in Times of Malta today (back page), he reiterates this plea: “On Saturday... I urged all party supporters to throw their weight behind the leader-elect. I do so again now.”
During tomorrow’s round, Dr Busuttil must achieve 67 per cent of the votes to be confirmed as the party’s eighth leader in its 133-year history.