Franco Debono not attending PN executive

In what is being described as a "quiet" meeting, the executive committee of the Nationalist Party will be convening this evening to discuss the ongoing political situation.

On the agenda was also Debono's request to revoke the executive's decision banning him from contesting the coming elections on the PN ticket.

But Debono, as he told The Malta Independent, will not be attending "due to unforeseen circumstances". In view of this, the executive committee has agreed to postpone his request to another meeting when he would be available.

Relations between the rebel backbencher and the executive have been a little strained of late, after Debono's vote led to the resignation of former Justice Minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici.

But while Debono has repeatedly tried to justify his position by presenting a 22-point motion proposing reforms in the justice and home affairs, his position has not been taken lightly by PN and government officials who are now against Debono contesting the elections on the party's ticket.

Among these, Debono has pointed towards Transport Minister Austin Gatt. According to Debono, the decision is in line with "Austin Gatt's confrontational character".

Aside from hitting out at Gatt, Debono has been relatively quiet in his criticism towards the PN, as the PN has been towards him.

In fact, Debono has also refused to comment at length on the general situation and is only looking forward to "two months of rest".

PN government whip David Agius would not comment when asked whether Debono and the PN were on their way towards reconciliation.

"This is something which must be discussed within the executive committee," he Agius said, adding that he had just returned from abroad.

However, Agius did confirm that Debono had called him 'to talk'.

"But we agreed to talk once I'm back on the island," he said.