Nationalist Party parliamentary whip David Agius will be contesting for the post of Deputy Leader for Parliamentary Affairs.
Agius yesterday confirmed his intentions with The Malta Independent on Sunday.
He is the first PN MP to announce his candidacy for the post and the second to have expressed his interest in any deputy leadership post. Earlier this week, Nationalist MP Robert Arrigo announced in The Malta Independent that he intends to run for Deputy Leader for Party Affairs (see interview on pages 10 - 11).
Agius has been serving as a PN parliamentary whip for the last nine years. "The fact that I was elected on two districts in the last general election is a sign of how much the public trusts me. I am willing to repay that trust by building on the experience I have accumulated during my years in Parliament."
He said he is convinced that, if elected he will remain a "person of the people." He said that the public knows that he is energetic and that he holds his principles close to heart.
Agius started his career in the Nationalist Party as a member of SDM, MZPN and then up to Information Secretary for the PN. He was also involved in the PN media as a journalist and newscaster on both television and radio. Before being elected as a member of parliament in 2003, David Agius served as a PN local councillor in Attard.
"I believe I have a lot to offer within the PN. For me, this is my natural next step."
Agius also pledged loyalty to whoever is chosen as PN leader.
"I am willing to work with whoever the party members choose as the party's leader. As an MP, I have always been loyal to all PN leaders - be it Eddie Fenech Adami, Lawrence Gonzi or Simon Busuttil."
Agius is currently a member of the House Business Committee. Outgoing PN leader Simon Busuttil had also entrusted him with shadowing the Civil Liberties portfolio.
PN deputy leadership contenders usually make their intentions known after a new leader is elected. But both Agius and Arrigo decided to announce their candidacies before Adrian Delia, Alex Perici Calascione, Chris Said or Frank Portelli is elected leader.