‘Emperor Gatt’ never took responsibility for his shortcomings – Franco Debono

Backbencher Franco Debono has harshly criticised comments made by newly approved PN candidate on the fifth district Manuel Delia who accused Debono of having considered his constituency as his "territory".

Delia was reacting to initial comments made by Debono following the PN's decision to ban him and two other backbenchers from contesting the elections, insisting that PN stalwart Austin Gatt was "expanding his empire" with the candidature of Delia - always at the side of Gatt - and Claudio Grech, Gatt's advisor on IT policy.

Delia, author of the public transport reform that Debono vehemently criticised to the extent of endangering Austin Gatt's ministerial permanence, told Debono: "There are no emperors in the PN. 

There are some that may have been tempted to consider their constituency as their territory - or empire - in which no one else would be allowed to serve, but since Thursday they are no longer on the PN's list of candidates.

In fresh comments to MaltaToday, Debono argued that 'emperors' were individuals like Gatt, "who have been running around for 30 years occupying different roles, and who never shoulder the responsibility for their mistakes".

"Despite the fact that Gatt is also associated with the Nationalists losing the election in 1996, yet he will still be leading the PN's electoral campaign," he said.

Debono added that unlike Delia, he was never given a job inside a ministry: "I am simply a backbencher who always did the utmost to contribute. Neither government nor the party ever helped me out in my professional endeavours."

The Ghaxaq MP said that he has been contesting the fifth district since 1998, when he was still a 23-year-old law student. "I contested against the like of Louis Galea, Ninu Zammit and Helen D'Amato ... who is Delia contesting against?"

On the other hand, Debono insisted that he nothing against Delia contesting the elections: "During the first meeting I had with the PN's secretary-general when I was elected MP was to suggest potential candidates - and I did this out of my own will."

The maverick MP has also stated that "as long as Austin Gatt remains a member of the Cabinet, he will find it very hard to support the government".

Parliament has been adjourned to 1 October, with a "very important agenda" - as described by the Prime Minister - left to be tackled after the summer recess.