PL MP and potential party leadership candidate Robert Abela has launched a scathing attack on what he described as a “devilish” pact which would sell out the country, the Labour Party and its genuine supporters.

Writing on Friday, Abela said that he is not ready to participate “in any devilish pact through which I would buy some comfortable seat for myself, and sell out the country, the Labour Party, and genuine Labourites under the veil of the false excuse of unity.”

He said that he has no rabid and blind ambition for power and for a seat at the power table which will confuse his judgement in such a delicate moment for the country, and said that he cannot be burdened with compromises which tie his hands before has even started.

“Unity is kept with honesty and by proceeding in a proper manner.  Is it possible that we have learnt nothing from this situation?” he wrote.

His father, President Emeritus George Abela, had contested the 2008 PL leadership race, which was won by Joseph Muscat. Over the past few days, Robert Abela has been openly critical of the party and the ongoing scandal.

The post comes after negotiations for an agreement to avoid a leadership election within the party fell through.

Malta Today report in fact that the pact, which had the blessing of outgoing leader Joseph Muscat, would have seen current Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne take over as party leader and Prime Minister and Abela and Transport Minister Ian Borg being appointed as his deputies.

They report however that Abela objected to Borg being earmarked as a deputy due to his close ties with the Prime Minister’s former Chief of Staff Keith Schembri.

Fearne announced his intention to contest for the leadership post earlier on Friday.