PN leader should be chosen by paid-up members – Pierre Portelli

The presenter of breakfast show TVAM, Pierre Portelli, and a former Nationalist Party official, has downplayed suggestions that he intends contesting for the post of secretary-general, saying the party faced "far bigger priorities", such as the choice of a new party leader.

Portelli, who resigned the post of president of the PN's administrative council in 2011, is one of the names being touted as a potential candidate for the role of secretary general, whose current holder Paul Borg Olivier will be stepping down from in the wake of the PN's electoral defeat in March.

Portelli admitted that the pressure he is facing to contest for the position has been "overwhelming" and that the issue is weighing on his mind - an online poll by maltatoday.com.mt even suggested that the public views him as an ideal candidate for the post.

He however downplayed the issue, insisting that the party is facing far more urgent priorities, such as the choice of a new leader. "It is not what is most urgently needed. What is more urgent is that the party finds its leader," he said.

Portelli however did not exclude the possibility of rejoining the PN structures in future, saying that he is currently "reading, and listening."

"The party has a big decision before it, and anyone who aims for such a position needs to study the move well before going in for it," he said. "It is still very early days."

Just days ago Portelli had taken to Facebook to express his disgust at the way party men were being blamed for the PN's electoral defeat, and also opposed the suggestion that the PN should opt for completely new blood to fill its top three posts.

"It is in my opinion pure nonsense to suggest that people like Simon Busuttil, Mario Demarco, Chris Said, Tonio Fenech and Beppe Fenech Adami should just disappear from the PN's landscape," Portelli wrote in a lengthy status update.

"It is nonsense for PN supporters to penalize Simon Busuttil because he chose the honourable route to contest for deputy leader three months away from what was visibly a clear defeat."

"Undoubtedly Simon's contribution helped as much as Mario's positive attitude and success registered in his sector (tourism) and as much as Beppe's probing on various media platforms to consolidate the PN's core vote," he added.

Portelli also echoed a proposal that is gathering momentum: "The PN needs to send a clear and strong message that the party is open for all. That message can be dispatched by making it possible for all registered members to participate in the election of its leader. If the present statute cannot be changed in time than the General Council ought to be convened to change it ASAP."

Asked by MaltaToday whether he was defending Simon Busuttil's role in the electoral campaign from the backlash of the party's solid defeat, Portelli simply said: "I did not mention only Simon. I mentioned everyone else. I am not talking only about Simon, but about everyone involved. I am basically saying that one cannot start from scratch. That is what I said, and it is something that even Ann Fenech said on TV."

Portelli would not commit himself on whether Simon Busuttil was the best man for the leader's role: "It is not my place to make that sort of judgement... I don't think I am in a position to say or put forward a name [for leader]," Portelli said, noting his role as TVM programme presenter. "I am not part of the party machine or party structures. I am commenting as an outsider, as one who was once part of the party and is now looking in from outside."