Robert Arrigo approached to contest deputy leadership election

Nationalist MP Robert Arrigo has confirmed that he has been approached to contest the forthcoming PN deputy leadership election.

But when asked whether he would accept the invitation, he kept his cards firmly to his chest. "I have received calls from various councillors (party delegates) from all over the island to contest the deputy leader election," he said when contacted yesterday. "I am flattered by such a reaction."

Arrigo, who was overwhelmingly elected from two districts in 2008, enigmatically added: "My loyalty is to the party, but my constituents on the 9th and 10th districts, with whom I have bonded well over the past four years, and remained in constant touch, come first."

So far no candidates have actively confirmed their intention to contest this election: although at least one - Jason Azzopardi - has ruled out his own candidacy.

MaltaToday surveys point towards MEP Simon Busuttil as the overwhelming favourite, although ministers Tonio Fenech and Mario de Marco have not ruled out contesting, and also enjoy popularity at party level.

Even rebel MP Franco Debono has claimed he was being approached to run for deputy leader - an unlikely combination with the prime minister if there ever was one.

Nominations for the election of the PN deputy leader will be received from Wednesday 30 October until the 14 November, with a first round of the ballot to be held between 29 November and 2 December. Nationalist MP Francis Zammit Dimech is heading the electoral commission.