Simon Busuttil is the new PN deputy leader after a convincing performance which saw him obtain 640 votes out of a possible 884 thus garnering the required two thirds of the votes.

His tally represents a 72.4 percent share of the councillors’ preferences. On the other hand Finance Minister Tonio Fenech got 241 votes, while there were also three invalid votes.

To a certain degree this result was a surprise, as few would have guessed that either candidate would be able to obtain at least two thirds of the votes at the first time of asking, thus avoiding a second ballot which would have taken place on Saturday

Replying to The Malta Independent in his first comments to the press shortly after that he was elected, Dr Busuttil said that he has taken no decision yet whether he will be relinquishing his seat in the European Parliament to be co-opted in the House of Representatives.

He said that he will discuss this matter with the prime minister and seek his advice.

On the current rift with backbencher Franco Debono, the new PN deputy leader said that he has no intention to revoke the decision taken by the executive to ban him from contesting the next general election on the party ticket.

Regarding the fact that all cabinet members had endorsed the rival candidate except Health Minister Joe Cassar, Dr Busuttil downplayed the issue repeating that he is ready to work with all MPs and party members.

The election result was read at about 10pm, which was an hour after voting had closed.  As Foreign Minister Francis Zammit Dimech, who was presiding the electoral commission made the official announcement, there were joyous scenes with councillors singing party slogans. However some cabinet members who had endorsed Mr Fenech were conspicuously absent.

We must build bridges with disgruntled voters - Busuttil

In his first speech as PN deputy leader Dr Busuttil said that the only winner is the PN and said that this marks the day when there is new enthusiasm among the grass roots.

He thanked Mr Fenech for his loyalty and assured him that the party will reciprocate this gesture. He also thanked his family including his son, who was among those present, as well as his parents and the councillors who gave him their support.

Dr Busuttil vowed to do his utmost in his new role while saluting his predecessors who also served as deputy leaders. He added that his political beliefs were inspired by Louis Galea for his social values and Eddie Fenech Adami for his European vision.

The new deputy leader said that he will work closely with the prime minister to win the next general election. He stressed that the priority will be to build a bridge with disgruntled voters, remarking that the PN belongs to the people and not just to party councillors.

Dr Busuttil laid emphasis on the strength in diversity, even though there are common values. He urged all those present to do their utmost so that the party stands a good chance of winning the next general election.

“We need to persuade the electorate that we are the party that can take this country forward and that we are still determined and full of energy” he said.

“If people want change, we must persuade the electorate that this must be brought about by the PN”. He ended his speech by a heartfelt appeal that the PN can win the next general election.

We are now ready to face the electoral campaign - PM

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi who was the last speaker described this contest as another glorious chapter in the party's history. He stressed that this election proved that the PN is the agent of change.

The party leader said that this legislature is coming to a close and recounted that there were incidents when one would ask whether politicians are there to serve the people or to reach their ambitions.

Dr Gonzi said that the finance minister has still a lot to contribute jokingly remarking that his budget was even endorsed by the opposition leader.

The prime minister congratulated Dr Busuttil for his victory, saying that he has already contributed a lot to the country in his role as MEP.

The PN leader saluted Tonio Borg and wished him success in his new role as European Commissioner.

Dr Gonzi said that the PN is now ready to face the electoral campaign, even though winning the election will be a tough job. However he remarked that the PN can face the electorate proudly saying that it has an enviable track record.

In his concluding remarks he said that this contest marks the beginning of a new chapter which will lead the party to win over the trust of the majority of the electorate to lead the country for another five years.

He urged those present to persuade as much people as possible that the PN is the right choice.

Mr Fenech gracious in defeat

In a short speech Mr Fenech who was gracious in defeat described the recent weeks as highly interesting and motivating while remarking that the choice for the councillors was rather difficult.

“You made your choice and you chose Simon” he said while pledging that he will remain militating in the party irrespective of this defeat.

He said that on a positive note both camps did not resort to dirty tricks as the ultimate aim was to emerge stronger and a united party.

Mr Fenech said that the party will puts its weight behind the prime minister to win the next general election. He remarked that this contest has shown that the PN is the party is looking forward with new ideas.