Ian Castaldi Paris has resigned as mayor and local councillor of Lija and as member of the Nationalist Party, citing lack of respect.

He announced his resignations in two letters copied to the media but could not be contacted yesterday for further comment.

In one letter, addressed to the acting executive secretary of the Lija local council, he said resignation was “effective immediately”.

“I understand that my resignation is disappointing to many people, as it is to me, but political responsibility and honesty dictate that, once you are not respected by the party you so respect, then there is no point in retaining a post,” he wrote.

In a second letter, addressed to PN general secretary Chris Said, he said he felt that his position within the party was untenable.

Soon afterwards, Dr Said issued a statement saying he was “surprised” by Dr Castaldi Paris’s decision to resign.

A few weeks ago, Dr Said added, he had a meeting with him and other Lija councillors during which various subjects were discussed. At no point during or since the meeting had Dr Castaldi Paris made any mention of the way he felt, Dr Said said, adding that he respected his decision.

This was not the first PN-related resignation by Dr Castaldi Paris. In September 2011 he resigned from his post as president of the Nationalist Party’s College of Councillors, citing personal reasons.

Soon after the March 2013 election, Dr Castaldi Paris gave an interview in which he criticised the outgoing PN government and party administration and declared his intention to contest the post of general secretary. He did not, eventually, do this, saying he wanted to concentrate on his profession. The post was filled by Dr Said.

In November 2009, Dr Castaldi Paris unsuccessfully contested the election for the post of PN president, which is now occupied by Paula Mifsud Bonnici.