Nationalist MP Stephen Spiteri has distanced himself from the Blue Hero tag he was given along with another 16 PN MPs, creating more confusion within a party already facing a deep crisis following the resignation of three top officials and calls for leader Adrian Delia to quit.

A photo of Spiteri formed part of a collage of 17 PN MPs who were labelled as Blue Heroes aiming to get Delia to leave the party leadership. The photo was uploaded on Facebook by PN MP Jason Azzopardi.

But Spiteri does not feel part of the group. When asked by The Malta Independent on his being included with the 17 Blue Heroes, he said that at this point of time nobody can consider themselves a hero. “I do not consider myself a hero. I do not think Stephen Spiteri would consider himself as a hero in this situation. I believe in more in talking and dialogue then setting up coups.”

Spiteri expressed concern about the future of the Nationalist Party and believes in the necessary reforms, but stops short from wanting to be associated with the group that wants to overthrow Delia. “I abide by the party’s line and whilst I expressed my concerns, I do not wish to be part of a group which did a coup d’état against the leader, as this is not the way forward.”

Spiteri expressed that the situation is much bigger than simply stating whether Delia should step down or not. “I expressed myself very clearly during the Parliamentary Group meeting, and that the writing is on the wall that the Nationalist Party is not doing well and that there are problems which we must address immediately,” explained Spiteri.

He said that he does believe a reform is necessary for the party, even though Delia has been instrumental in the publication of the Egrant magisterial inquiry and his work on the Vitals contract for the privatisation of three public hospitals. “Although the party has done all this, the results are what they are and I express my concerns during the Parliamentary Group meeting, so that we can ensure that the Nationalist Party does not lose more votes or lose another five seats in Parliament.”

Spiteri explained that it was unlike him to be aggressive during such meetings and that one could have interpreted his speech that he was speaking against Delia. When asked whether he was against Delia, he explained that he is not in a position to be against the party leader.  “I abide by the party’s line, and that whilst I expressed my concerns, I do not want to be part of a group which did a coup d’état against the leader, that is not the way forward.”