Franco Debono welcomes Lawrence Gonzi’s proposals ‘with open arms’

The man whose statements and abstention in a no confidence motion were the catalyst that led Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi to seek reassurance from the PN's highest organs that he was their trusted leader, has this evening declared that the Prime Minister has finally heard "a part" of his plight.

Addressing parliament this evening, backbencher Franco Debono praised Gonzi's speech made on Sunday, when he launched two initiatives that will ensure that the Nationalist Party remains close to the people and listens to people's needs and aspirations.

"The Prime Minister's speech was different than usual, as if it was not written by those who usually advise him on what to do and say. It was a repair-what-you-break kind of speech - a speech which I feel was written by my sufferings and the people's suffering," Debono said.

He added that he welcomed Gonzi's speech "with open arms".

"But the Prime Minister should realise that I wasn't present for it. I represent those people who feel hurt. I sacrificed my life for the party."

Debono said that while those who feel hurt were not present, "those who built illegally were and this is what the Prime Minister should address next".

Debono added that Gonzi's speech "justified" him for not supporting government during the no-confidence motion presented by the Opposition.

"And now I expect an apology. I was pleased listening to the Prime Minister talk about sensitivity and that all MPs and ministers should be closer to the people. This is what we should have doing all along," he said.

Taking the analogy of the car and tyre once again, Debono reiterated that Gonzi's speech showed that the problem had been the engine's car, "and the drivers - not driver - who drove the car straight into the potholes they dug themselves".

"Thank God the tyre was heavy-duty," Debono said, adding that he had been ready to give up his political career for the party he loved.

"I love my party. I am loyal to it. I sacrificed my political and personal life for it. I ended up with security outside my door because I worried for my country. Nothing could have justified my position better than the way Gonzi's speech did."

Debono added that Gonzi had "benefitted" from his suggestions, and while no one had so far apologised for the way he was treated, the public already has, to the point that the petition had "vanished".