Franco Debono will not be one of the candidates to be the next Nationalist Party leader, but he told his social media followers that he would be considering a “more active role” within the party, depending on the circumstances which the upcoming leadership change will bring.

Debono, a lawyer by profession and a former PN MP who famously toppled Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi’s government back in 2012 by voting with the Labour Party in the Budget vote, was among those touted to possibly succeed Bernard Grech.

Polls among party members – who will vote for the new PN leader – placed him in third place, behind current MPs Alex Borg and Adrian Delia, who are both contesting for the role.

“In the last days and weeks, after the resignation of the party leader, the wish of both Nationalist supporters and members of the general public was that I return to a more active role in politics and in the party,” he said, citing survey results.

He said that he had appreciated every telephone call, message, and word of encouragement and support.

“These calls not only placed upon me an obligation that in the coming times I participate more activity in politics – which is what I will be doing – but also send a clear message to the Nationalist Party to be more inclusive and give value to the work of every individual within it,” he said.

“Nobody is to be discarded and the contribution of everyone must have value and must be appreciated,” he continued.

He said that the party cannot be strengthened if it is going to remain “anchored in the past” and that while every one must learn from the past, they must also look forward and respect differences and build on what unites them.

“Therefore, since my style is to keep my feet on the ground and to not rush into anything, and because I believe that a change in party leader brings with it vacancies in important posts and roles within the party, with sensitivity, loyalty, and respect towards those who want to see me be more active within the party, after days of thought and reflection, I promise that in the coming time I will considering a more active role, depending on the circumstances and opportunities that this change in leadership will bring,” he said.

He appealed for “unity and respect” in this “sensitive” moment and sent his best wishes to all previous party leaders and to those who will be contesting for the role of party leader.

So far MPs Alex Borg and Adrian Delia have put their names forward as candidates to succeed Bernard Grech as PN leader, after Grech announced his shock resignation earlier this month.

Candidates have until Sunday afternoon to file a formal expression of interest in the role.