Lawrence Gonzi received “thousands” of text messages from former backbencher Franco Debono throughout the last legislature.

“They came at all hours of the day and night... It was a five-year saga. It started on day one!” Dr Gonzi says in an interview.  

Dr Gonzi also speaks openly about the fact he is losing sight in his right eye.

“It’s a condition which hasn’t improved in the past 12 to 15 months notwithstanding treatment and injections in the eye. It’s a terrible experience,” he says..

Dr Gonzi also hints he will be giving up his parliamentary seat once the new Nationalist leader is chosen.

He says his party’s hierarchy should have the freedom to criticise his past decisions so his absence could eliminate an obstacle for such discussion.

Full interview in The Sunday Times.