Updated 7.48pm - Added Chris Said post

Claudio Grech has ruled out running for the Nationalist Party leadership, writing that he faced internal "hostility" when he suggested that MPs should be allowed a free vote on the marriage equality bill. 

In a lengthy Facebook post, the PN MP wrote that he felt he still lacked the "front-line political experience" needed to aspire to the party's top post and that he is keen to immerse himself "in the social reality of my constituency." 

Throughout the term, the choice was between blind loyalty to the Party and being true to one’s views of what the PN always stood for.

But the first district MP also raised an altogether different reason for his decision to steer clear of a leadership race, railing against "dogmatic imposition" and highlighting a "silent hostility" between conservative and liberal factions. 

"Throughout the term, the choice was between blind loyalty to the Party and being true to one’s views of what the PN always stood for," Mr Grech wrote.  

Free vote

He went on to reveal that he had favoured a free vote on the recently-passed marriage equality bill, saying that he had called on the party to allow MPs a free vote "on issues involving ethical considerations." 

That stance, he wrote, had caused internal disquiet. hostility intensified on the grounds that the decision was taken by the highest Party structures.

"Hostility intensified on the grounds that the decision was taken by the highest party structures." 

In the event, all PN MPs bar Edwin Vassallo followed the party line and voted in favour of the bill. 

With the party's structures pulling one way and Mr Grech another, the MP has decided a leadership bid would be detrimental to the party, writing "my prospective leadership would not only put me in a constant quandary but, more materially, would also negatively impact the PN’s focus." 

Chris Said pledged to keep Mr Grech close if he was elected leader. Photo: Facebook/Chris SaidChris Said pledged to keep Mr Grech close if he was elected leader. Photo: Facebook/Chris Said

"The PN I dream of is one that will prevail by embracing diversity through courageous politics and not dogmatic imposition," he added. "I shall work hard for a PN that supports opposing views, passionate as they may be, and allows them to serenely co-exist on the strength of convergence." 

PN veteran Chris Said, who submitted his nomination for party leader yesterday, was quick to reach out to his parliamentary colleague. 

"Claudio, the party needs you and your ideas," Dr Said wrote on Facebook. "If I am leader I want you close to me, with all the space you need to contribute all you can."  

Party leadership

PN veteran Chris Said and political outsider Adrian Delia are so far the only two candidates to have formally submitted their nomination to become PN leader.

Outgoing party treasurer Alex Perici Calascione has not yet done so, although he has said he intends to contest the post. 

Nominations close tomorrow, Wednesday 19 July at 6pm. 

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