Two former Nationalist ministers are the frontrunners to occupy the Speaker's chair when Louis Galea vacates the post next month, The Sunday Times has learnt.

Several individuals have been touted though sources said the former foreign and tourism ministers were being seriously considered once Dr Galea takes up his post as a member of the European Court of Auditors in Luxembourg next month.

When contacted, Michael Frendo did not deny his interest in the job, saying he would serve wherever he was needed. The lawyer has been in Parliament for the past 20 years.

He said he had not been "officially approached" although sources said he had already been sounded out.

Dr Frendo failed to get elected at the 2008 general election but made it to Parliament through a casual election. This had taken place after the Cabinet was appointed, which meant he was not given a ministerial position.

He was appointed chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on European and Foreign Affairs, an area close to his heart after serving as Foreign Minister for several years.

Sources close to the Nationalist Party said Dr Frendo's appointment would give Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi the option to co-opt a new MP, most probably a candidate on the ninth district (which comprises Swieqi, San Gwann, Għargħur, Madliena, Msida and Ta' Xbiex) where Dr Frendo had contested.

Although the PN attained 13,388 of the 21,904 votes cast in this district, the party does not feel it has a strong enough presence. Outspoken lawyer Georg Sapiano and St Julian's deputy mayor Karl Gouder are considered as the two best candidates the party has on this district.

Another possible contender is Francis Zammit Dimech but sources said he was not a favourite to take the post.

When contacted, Dr Zammit Dimech said he had not been officially approached but he too said he would be prepared to take on the Speaker's role if requested.

"I am always willing to serve the country as deemed best," he said.

Party sources said former general secretary Joe Saliba, who had been mentioned by the Labour Party as being considered for co-option, is "absolutely not interested" in the post and had never been approached.

During a meeting of the PN parliamentary group last Friday, Dr Gonzi said he would deal with the Speaker issue over the next fortnight.