The 19 PN parliamentary group members opposing Adrian Delia clearly expressed their position by saying that they are fully confident in Therese Comodini Cachia being appointed as Opposition Leader.
In a statement on Sunday the PN members expressed that "it is in Robert Abela's interest that Adrian Delia remains his political opponent. Not because it was ever needed but now the confirmation has even come officially."
The 19 members of the group made reference to the Labour party event on Sunday. They said that "Abela used the activity on Sunday morning to defend Adrian Delia and try to influence the President in making the decision according to the Constitution of our country."
They added that the Labour Party, with its speakers and media, has been doing everything for the past three years to defend Delia. "This defence has become stronger in recent days, following the bold and necessary step taken by the absolute majority of the Nationalist Party Parliamentary Group."
They made their position very clear. "The President must act in accordance with the Constitution of our country, as also explained by the former Judge of the European Court of Human Rights Giovanni Bonello, Professor Kevin Aquilina and Lawyer Austin Bencini.
This was to remove Adrian Delia of the opposition and instead appoint a person who has the confidence of the majority of the Members of the Nationalist Party Parliamentary group: Therese Comodini Cachia.
The 19 parliamentary group members stated that in every decision they have taken, and will take in the future, will be in the interests of members, the party and the country.
PL statement
In a counter-statement, the Labour Party said the rebel MPs did not listen to what the PM said, and evidently their statement was prepared before his address.
It makes no difference who is PN leader for the PL. Whether it is Adrian Delia, Claudio Grech or Therese Comdini Cachi,, Labour's interest is to take the country forward.
There isserenity and stability in the country. The Pn is facing an internal battle which it created and it must solve, the PL said.