PN approves second batch of candidates – Debono insists he ‘doesn’t care’

The executive of the Nationalist Party has approved the second batch of candidates for the general elections.

The short list of six includes MEPs Simon Busuttil and David Casa, TV presenter Claudette Buttigieg, PN executive president Marthese Portelli, Joanna Agius and Anthony Bezzina.

It is expected that David Casa will be contesting the fifth district, a clear message against rebel backbencher Franco Debono.

On the other hand, Simon Busuttil - who had earlier denied that he would be standing - has yet to announce his district.

While it is expected that Busutill will be contesting on Birkirkara, this will be a clear threat to Beppe Fenech Adami, the son of former Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami.

In his blog this evening, backbencher Franco Debono insisted that he "didn't care" who the PN chooses to approve for its candidates.

Reacting to the PN's decision to push forward new candidates on the fifth district - where Franco Debono has always contested - Debono wrote that the party could approve whoever it wanted.

"He [Gonzi] thinks that he can use the new candidates to provoke me, forcing me to do something when he wants," Debono wrote. "But when will he grow up?... he's a lackey, he incites, he plays the saint while fomenting bad blood."

Debono added that the PN could approve whoever it wanted: "I was elected despite all the damage they tried to cause me. I did my work and I pushed forward my ideas."

The backbencher added that now, all was left for the PN was to try and vindicate itself against him.

"You're in a panic, consumed by rage and confusion. Because you'll never keep up with my timing."

Stopping short of explaining what, Debono insisted he would do "that thing" in his own time. He however called on the Prime Minister "to grow up", insisting Gonzi was panicking "because I am keeping him guessing".

He also warned the PN that he had already declared he will be presenting the motion against Health Minister Joe Cassar.

"He [Gonzi] was always wrong in his timing. And that is why he's making a mess. And he will continue making a mess," Debono added.

The Nationalist MP also referred to the January Cabinet reshuffle and insisted that it was Gonzi reacting to his criticism that prompted the reshuffle.

"When I declared that Gonzi was surrounded by the clique, he announced the reshuffle. His aim was to make people believe I was reacting because I hadn't been appointed a minister. But today, everyone knows he was reacting to my declarations," he said.

In a direct message to the Prime Minister, Debono said: "You are a born leader, you don't become one... he only knows how to tease and incite. He thinks no one can see through his act. He casts the stone and hides his hand. Qualities that are appalling."