Franco Debono formally asks PN to revoke condemnation

True to his word, rebel backbencher Franco Debono wrote to the Prime Minister and the PN's executive council Friday morning contesting the decision taken in his regard after voting in favour of the resignation of Carm Mifsud Bonnici.

In comments made yesterday to MaltaToday, Franco Debono spoke about his intentions of asking the PN executive to nullify its decision.

He said he was unable to attend the executive committee meeting the party held to discuss the vote taken by Debono, as well as Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando and Jesmond Mugliett on Monday's motion that resulted in the resignation of Richard Cachia Caruana from permanent representative to the EU.

"The decision was not listed in the party meeting agenda and I was unaware of the discussion... nobody can take a decision on a person without being present for the meeting to defend oneself," he said yesterday.

In a letter sent to executive council president Marthese Portelli and copied to Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, Debono reiterated his comments insisting he hadn't been given the chance to defend himself.

Debono contested the decision on a procedural nature and said he hadn't been given the opportunity to make his submissions under basic democratic principles and principles held by the PN.

In his communication, the backbencher highlighted the fact the his draft law to regulate political parties ironically included a proposal for mechanisms which ensured that members received a just hearing within their political party.