Three MPs touted as potential successors to Said's secretary-general post

Said's departure from the PN executive has raised questions as to who would be taking his place once the party AGM rolls around, later on this month.

Chris Said (Photo: Ray Attard)
Chris Said (Photo: Ray Attard)

MP Chris Said's departure from the post of PN secretary-general was a long time coming, according to sources speaking to The Times and Giovanna Debono's resignation from the party - in the wake of her husband's corruption charges  - simply made that move easier.

Said's departure from the PN executive has raised questions as to who would be taking his place once the party’s executive is elected later on this month.

A number of potential candidates have been mentioned, though some are more open to the idea than others. 

Clyde Puli, Charlo Bonnici, Claudio Grech and David Agius, all sitting MPs, are contenders, according to some, however their role as MPs might work against them - Said's work as secretary-general is thought to have taken him further away from his constituents.

Assistant secretary-general Jean-Pierre Debono is another potential contender, though he has said that unless he is approached by the party leader to do so, he would not contest. 

A number of outsiders are also being touted for the job, with Pierre Portelli, consulting editor at The Malta Independent and former PN administrative council president rejecting the suggestion of contesting, as did lawyers Adrian Delia and Reuben Balzan.

Party executive president Ann Fenech and PN leader Simon Busuttil’s former associate Peter Fenech – also mentioned as possible candidates - could not be reached for comment.