Ian Castaldi Paris has resigned from the Nationalist Party, telling PN Secretary General Chris Said that his position in the party is “no longer tenable.”
In September 2011, Dr Castaldi Paris had resigned from his post as president of the Nationalist Party’s College of Councillors, citing personal reasons.
Dr Castaldi Paris has also resigned as Mayor of Lija, a post he has held for a number of years. He will no longer form part of the local council. In his letter of resignation, Dr Castaldi Paris said he was resigning his post in the Local Council for the reason that he has resigned from the PN.
Dr Castaldi Paris said he is aware he will be disappointing many people by resigning but he said he has no choice, seeing that his party is not respecting him.
"Responsibility and political honesty mean that you have to resign when your party does not respect you."
PN accepts resignation
In a statement, the PN Secretary General said he respected Dr Castaldi Paris’ decision and accepted his resignation.
“This came as a surprise to me because we had a meeting a few weeks ago and we discussed Local Council matters and Dr Castaldi Paris did not tell me that he felt he was not being respected or that he did not agree with the PN on some issue or other. He did not say so during the meeting nor at any other time.
Dr Said said the PN expects all its councillors to give their all to residents and also to be a model of good governance. “The party remains open to all those who want to contribute for the betterment of this country.”
According to various reports, the Lija council’s infighting intensified in the last couple of weeks, resulting in a number of disagreements between its members. Two council members, Marc Sant and Lorraine Farrugia, complained to the Local Councils Board of Governance over "irregularities" within the council, including the process to choose the council's new Executive Secretary.
http://www.independent.com.mt/mobile/2014-06-23/news/local-councillors-warned-to-refrain-from-using-disrespectful-language-5582553089/