Prime Minister Robert Abela has asked Chris Fearne to reconsider his resignation from Deputy Prime Minister and government minister.

Fearne has rejected the call.

In a letter sent to Fearne – who announced his immediate resignation as Deputy Prime Minister and EU Funds Minister, and also asked for his nomination as European Commissioner to be withdrawn – Abela said that he had full faith in him.

“For the reasons I already expressed myself, where I emphasised your integrity and ability, I ask you to reconsider your decision as expressed,” Abela wrote.

Abela said that Fearne had always supported him and the country had benefitted hugely from his capabilities in times of difficulty.

Fearne, who is Minister of European Funds, Equality, Reforms and Social Dialogue, said that he was resigning not because he was admitting any wrongoing, but because he understands that it is the right thing to do.