Fenech: ‘no decision yet’ on PN deputy leadership contest

Finance Minister Tonio Fenech has not yet made up his mind on whether he'll be contesting the election for the new PN deputy leader.

Asked by MaltaToday whether he has decided to contest the deputy leadership election, Fenech reiterated "no decision yet".

So far, only Nationalist MEP Simon Busuttil has announced that he will be submitting his nomination following the vacancy created by the resignation of Tonio Borg after his nomination as member of the European Commission.

The charismatic MEP is considered by many as the ideal choice by the party leadership. Tonio Fenech aside, possible contenders include Culture Minister Mario De Marco, Justice Minister Chris Said and parliamentary assistant Beppe Fenech Adami.

The nominations opened on Wednesday 30 October and will close on 14 November. The first round of the ballot will be held between 29 November and 2 December.

Francis Zammit Dimech will head the electoral commission that will be composed of Anne Fenech, MEP David Casa, Boris Xerri, Sonia Vancell and Kevin Plumpton. This automatically rules out the candidature of Nationalist MP Zammit Dimech, who was being touted as a possible outsider.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said he wants a lively contest for the post of deputy leadership.