Nationalist Party MEP David Casa is “still considering” contesting for the post of PN secretary general despite the fact that the party leadership election was won by Adrian Delia, and not his favourite, Chris Said.
Last June, Casa announced in local media that he wanted to contest for the position, adding that he would need the backing of the party’s new leadership. Back in 2015 he had also been touted for the post, but the popular MEP eventually did not contest and the position was taken up by Rosette Thake instead.
Contacted by The Malta Independent yesterday afternoon, Casa reconfirmed his interest in the position, specifically attributing it to the encouragement he is experiencing from party members.
“I have various MPs and tesserati (paid-up party members) who are encouraging me to contest, however, I have not yet decided what to do,” he said, adding that upon deciding, the party structure will be first to know, followed by the media and public.
“I am evaluating the situation,” he continued. “Naturally, the party needs the input of everybody, and I am considering this, especially since many people would like me to take up this position.”
Meanwhile, Nationalist Party parliamentary whip David Agius also reconfirmed his interest for the position of deputy leader for parliamentary affairs.
Speaking to this newspaper yesterday, he stated that his interest in the post remains “one hundred per cent.”
“I have expressed my interest before nomination, mid-nominations and after the nominations,” he said when asked whether he can confirm his interest in the role. “So that means my interest was there, it is there and will be there.”
Whilst earlier in the summer it was reported in local media that Nationalist MP Kristy Debono was “seriously considering” running for the position of deputy leader of parliamentary affairs, she yesterday told The Malta Independent that she would speak to Nationalist Party leader Adrian Delia before taking any steps.
Asked whether she is still thinking about contesting for the position, she said, “at the moment I am keeping all options open, but, obviously I will discuss it with the party Leader and won’t make a decision without discussing it with him first.”
Referring to Delia obtaining a seat in parliament after it being offered it to him by Debono’s husband Jean Pierre, she said “the first hurdle should be overcome, so now we will move forward. However, regarding this position, I need to speak to the party Leader to see where he wishes me to serve.”
The Malta Independent also spoke to Nationalist MP Clyde Puli, who was named as a possible contender for one of the posts. He told this newspaper that he is “actively committed to contest for the post of deputy leader for party affairs but will only be in a position to fully commit once the official process is triggered. In the meantime I am consulting PN general councilors.”
The dates of the elections for the positions within the party are still unknown but newly-elected leader Adrian Delia has said that the elections should be held before the end of this year and that the wheels for the process to start have already been set in motion.
The elections for the party’s top posts are being held after the PN’s second landslide defeat at the polls.
Simon Busuttil, deputy leaders Beppe Fenech Adami and Mario de Marco, Secretary General Rosette Thake and other senior members of the party had announced they would not be seeking re-election after the party’s poor showing in the last general election.