Speaker Louis Galea is refusing to comment on whether he intends to contest the sixth district seat soon to be vacated by European Commissioner-designate John Dalli, saying at this stage that he is "keeping all his options open".
Dr Galea's decision could impinge on the nature of the Cabinet reshuffle made by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi after Mr Dalli, who is Social Policy Minister, resigns to take up his post as EU commissioner.
PN insiders, however, have cast doubt on Dr Galea's candidature, saying he has more to lose if he gives up the Speaker's chair for a place in the backbench. Many also believe the seasoned politician's potential re-entry to Cabinet, albeit a major boost to Dr Gonzi's team, would cause rumblings in the backbench.
The Prime Minister must make a decision related to a reshuffle in the next 10 days, though he is not expected to make a move until after Mr Dalli steps down. Dr Gonzi was given more time to make the decision after the EU Commissioners' vote, initially scheduled for Tuesday, was delayed by two weeks following the withdrawal of the Bulgarian nominee.
Sources said Dr Gonzi is likely to split Mr Dalli's super ministry into two. Parliamentary Secretary Joe Cassar is widely expected to assume the role of Health Minister, while the Social Policy Ministry could be taken on by one of the Cabinet ministers.
A PN official said the Prime Minister may reward one or two of the delivering parliamentary secretaries, like Jason Azzopardi or Mario de Marco, by promoting them to a ministerial role. Some ministries are also expected to be renamed.
A 'musical chairs' approach is expected, avoiding the need to resort to a backbencher, some of whom have made their disgruntlement known in public.
Sources said Dr Gonzi might, however, opt to promote two backbenchers - the most touted names being Beppe Fenech Adami and Robert Arrigo. But other PN insiders said Franco Debono's recent antics and statements had all but excluded any backbenchers' chances of promotion.
"What can the Prime Minister do now? Promote disgruntled backbenchers and risk a backlash from the loyal MPs who stood behind the leader and party through thick and thin?" one MP said. One backbencher told The Sunday Times he felt the Prime Minister should appoint five to six new parliamentary secretaries. Enlarging the Cabinet would solve several administrative problems and keep an electorate yearning for change happy, he said.
Another backbencher said: "The Prime Minister has a golden opportunity to put forward a united party, make amends with the parliamentary group and take the Labour Party's cue to give each MP a particular portfolio. Doing nothing about it, and just retaining the same team, will send the wrong message."
He added: "The signs we are getting at this stage is that no one is being given the chance to be on the front bench - even when the opportunity arises."
But another MP interpreted such arguments as nothing more than wishful thinking. It is not in the Prime Minister's style to say there would be no "earthquake" in the Cabinet with Mr Dalli's departure and then opt for major changes, he said.
Dr Gonzi made it clear before the 2008 election he would trim the Cabinet and introduce new faces - and that is what he did, the MP said.