Chris Said not contesting for PN deputy leadership post

Justice Minister Chris Said has announced that he will not contest for the post of Nationalist Party deputy leader.

"I have given it plenty of thought, and I believe that it is not the right time for me to contest for such a post, despite many who have encouraged me to contest for the post," Said told MaltaToday last night.

The 42 year-old Gozitan minister, considered to be Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi's 'work horse' entrusted to pilot three of the most controversial bills for this legislature, namely divorce, cohabitation and IVF, said that he is adamant to "continue to deliver and reciprocate the trust shown in him by the Prime Minster".

Inheriting the justice portfolio last January following the controversy raised by maverick MP Franco Debono who forced Gonzi to split the justice portfolio from home affairs, Said is working hard to implement a series of reforms within the justice system.

While fending off criticism levelled at his predecessor Carm Mifsud Bonnici - who resigned last May after losing a parliamentary vote - Said is now said to be working on implementing a proposal to grant suspects the right to be assisted by legal aid lawyers before and during interrogations by police.

He also inherited the mega-social policy ministry which handles almost 75% of the national budget, from Dolores Cristina.

Introducing third pillar pension reform, incentivising more women to enter the labour force and ensuring sustainable social services are Said's main goals to complete before the end of the legislature.

"We have already reached very important goals, and are close to announce major reforms before we close the legislature, and this is where I am focusing all my energies," Said said.

Read full interview with Minister Chris Said in MaltaToday midweek edition on Wednesday