The House of Representatives yesterday approved the nomination of Nationalist MP Ċensu Galea as Deputy Speaker by 34 votes for and 33 against after a division called by the opposition.

He succeeds Labour MP Carmelo Abela who resigned in protest over a ruling by the Speaker after a vote taken during the debate on the Delimara power station extension. Mr Galea's nomination was unanimously agreed on by the PN parliamentary group at a meeting late last month.

Moving the motion on Tuesday, Leader of the House Tonio Borg said Mr Galea brought with him several years of experience as a Cabinet minister, whip and secretary to the Nationalist parliamentary group. His knowledge of parliamentary procedures and standing orders was an assurance of impartiality in the workings of the House.

Mr Galea, 54, first contested the general elections in the interests of the Nationalist Party in 1981. He was elected in all further general elections in 1987, 1992, 1996, 1998, 2003 and 2009.

Following his re-election in 1992, Mr Galea was appointed parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry for Social Security. Two years later, he was appointed Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, which also included housing in his portfolio.

Between 1996 and 1998, he was shadow Minister for Transport and Ports, Secretary and Whip to the Nationalist Parliamentary Group.

Following the 1998 elections, Mr Galea was appointed Minister for Transport and Telecommunications. He was reappointed in the same position following the elections of April 2003 but a year later he switched to the Ministry for Competitiveness and Communications.

Marlene Pullicino (PL) and Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando were not in the Chamber when the vote was taken.