Franco Debono, the former Nationalist MP who had voted against his own party in government, thus bringing the downfall of Lawrence Gonzi’s government in December 2012, has unleashed a fierce attack on the Prime Minister. Many are asking what could be the reason which prompted this maverick political outcast to unleash such an attack.

Judging by comments he himself made, namely that he is being urged by some people to contest the MEP election in May, Debono may believe that, with the PN in such a sorry state, he could perhaps gain the support of thousands of Nationalist voters who may wish that the PN under Adrian Delia’s leadership suffers a bigger defeat, thus helping to force him to resign as PN leader.

Another possible reason is that he had made it plain he wished, or wanted, to lead the Constitution reform convention. Once it has been made known that this convention will be led by the President of the Republic, Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, he first unleashed an attack on the President and followed with his attack on the Prime Minister.

The third, more remote possibility, is that he may believe he stands a chance to be asked to take over the leadership of the PN, given the sorry state the party is in at present.

Debono, who may be a good lawyer on serious criminal cases, seems to lack basic nous. He does not realise his political tantrums can only continue to tarnish his already very suspect reputation as a charlatan politician.