Francis Zammit Dimech bows out of PN leadership race

Francis Zammit Dimech has bowed out of the PN leadership race. He came a distant third in the election, with six per cent of the vote. In a brief address in the hall of PN headquarters, Dr Zammit Dimech said he had contested out of a sense of duty and loyalty to the party. Amid applause, he thanked Dr Gonzi for the way how he always put the national interest before any other interest, including the personal interest. He also thanked the other contestants and said he would always cherish the picture of all of them together, taken during yesterday's reception. Dr Zammit Dimech  thanked the councillors for their participation. He said this contest had been a learning experience. He said that in view of the result, he was now bowing out of the race and would remain totally committed and loyal to the party and its new leader. The PN was a force for truth, a force for the people, and all should work to return it to victory, he said in a broken voice to applause. The fourth-placed candidate, Raymond Bugeja, who won 5.% of the vote, was automatically eliminated. In a brief address, he thanked Dr Gonzi for his leadership, the councillors who voted for him and those who had met him. He said...