PN Leader Simon Busuttil appealed to the liberal and conservative elements within the PN this evening, during his address to the General Council, not to forget that both are two sides of the same coin.
He said that the party has people who see different sides of the argument on gay marriage. "Let us not forget that these two sides form one whole, the PN. The PN is not only a part, but both parts together. Whoever thinks one part can leave the other would condemn the PN to a permanent opposition. The PN is not a party that should remain in opposition. It is true that the political cycle did not favour us, but it turns, and when it turns, it must find a unified party that respects both sides, the two sides of the same coin. If one thinks one side can fend for itself, then that person would be making a mistake. Even if there are sensitive decisions, that are controversial, we must take decisions while being conscious of what is passing through society, of what the people voted for. It was in the PL and PN manifesto. The majority of the country voted for it".
He said that unlike the PL who just follow whatever their leader says, people within the PN are urged to voice their opinions.
PN Leader Simon also referred to the magisterial inquiries and other pre-election allegations. He said that the PN will not stop pushing for investigations to occur, action to be taken if criminal actions occur, and for justice to be done.
"We are showing that there is someone fighting for justice, to ensure justice be done, and we will not allow anyone through the excuse of winning an election, to get away with murder. We will not let anyone get away with murder. It would be a mistake for the PN to close its eyes to this sort of thing. If we don't defend justice in this moment, who would defend it?. The PM's Chief of Staff who is undergoing a criminal investigation? We need to be the standard bearers for justice and for what is right."
Busuttil also joined President of the Council Paula Mifsud Bonnici in remembrance of Peter Paul Busuttil, and said that he was a symbol of the fight for democracy, liberty and justice in the country.
The election was disappointing for the PN, Busuttil said. "It wasn't the result we deserved or expected. But we agree that the feeling among us, and among the people was that the PN ran a good electoral campaign. Everyone who voted PN is proud to have done so."
"Despite the loss, when someone who loses still feels at peace with their conscience, proud of what they did and voted the way they voted, then that is the flame we need for our party to move forward to a new phase."
He said that he, as well as the leadership of the party carried responsibility for the electoral result. "This was not easy, but I did this as I truly believe in the political ideals of good governance which we have preached, and in honest politics. I felt the first thing I had to do was carry political responsibility and resign as PN Leader"
"Over the past weeks, you and other people were asked me to change my decision, but my response is that I should not change this decision, as we are sending a message. A message of what the PN is worth. If one really wants high standards, this is what needs to happen. This is what happens abroad, in normal countries. In normal countries, if you lose an election, you resign. If you are under criminal investigation you resign. We are showing how things should happen."
"This is what makes us different from the PL. We want to be different from them. We want to inspire people and earn their trust by being different. I don't only believe in high standards, but I want the highest and strongest standards on me, to show that we believe in what we are saying. "
"Don't think for a second that what I have done is an act of anger, it is an act of recognition of the peoples decision."
"There were those who asked whether I should wait until the magistrates take a decision on the ongoing inquiries. I believe we shouldn't put pressure on the magistrates. They are doing their work and I have trust in their integrity and competence. I don't think I should have waited and put for their decision and put that pressure on them. They are free to do their work in the time they need."
"We truly respect the independence of the judiciary and not like others, who say that the magistrate would carry responsibility. The judiciary does their work in the time they need as they decide to do. This is how we should do things. "
"There were those people who argued that these elections should happen later and not so soon.
"But three months is not a short time, and is a reasonable period. In less than two years the PN must be ready to face two elections in two-years time, those of the MEP elections and all local councils. With these two important tests for a new leadership, should we wait six months to elect a new leader?"
The Council approved new regulations for the election of leader. The election of the leader will be divided into two parts. The general council will be approving two candidates who will then go before the convention, which will elect one of them as leader.
The dates proposed by the executive are as follows: a general council was called on 28 June to discuss and approve the regulations for the elections. Nominations will be received on 17 and 19 July for the election of the leader. The general council will convene again on the first weekend of September to choose two candidates, and a convention will then select the leader on 16 September.