Weeks of speculation over who will be the first candidate to submit his or her name for the contest to fill the role of Nationalist Party Secretary-General have come to an end with Rosette Thake having confirmed with The Malta Independent on Sunday that she will be contesting the post vacated by Chris Said.
Speaking to this newsroom late last night, Ms Thake said that after considering all her options she has decided to go for it.
"Serving the country and the Nationalist Party is a call I cannot ignore," was the only statement she would give at this point.
It is understood that Ms Thake will make an official statement during the PN General Conference being held this morning at the party's headquarters.
Ms Thake was one of nine women elected to the Executive Council of the party in an election that took place on Friday. Sources within the PN told this newsroom that Ms Thake, a newcomer to the party, received an impressive show of trust from the 1,330 party members who cast their vote, out of the 1,400 who were eligible to have done so. Anne Fenech received the biggest share of votes and was followed closely by Rosette Thake, who secured nearly 80 per cent of the vote. Those voting were allowed to choose a total of nine candidates they felt were fit for the post.
Dr Fenech has already ruled out the possibility of contesting the post of Secretary-General. She may decide to re-contest her current role within the PN, that of President of the Executive Council, unless she decides to run for the role of Administrative Council President.
The sources within the party also confirmed that of the nine men elected to the council on Friday, current Assistant Secretary-General Jean Pierre Debono won the highest number of votes. He is considered to be the closest to the sectional committees of all party officials. This is due to the several roles he has occupied in the PN from a very young age. It is yet to be seen if Debono will run against Rosette Thake for the Secretary-General post.
MEP David Casa, who is also being suggested as a valid contender for the post, will be making a statement at today's PN General Council. Although admittedly interested in the role, people close to him told this newsroom that "David is expected to decline, and place the interests of the party ahead of his own ambitions."
Casa is seen to be very close to Simon Busuttil, who made public his preference for an outsider for the role of Secretary-General. "David is one of the party faithful and he will continue to give his utmost for the good of the party," said his close friends.
Earlier last week, party Parliamentary Whip David Agius ruled himself out of the race, saying that he will continue to focus on his parliamentary responsibilities and shadowing local councils.