De Marco, Said not expected to contest - Seven ministers back Fenech

Ministers Mario de Marco and Chris Said are not expected to contest the Nationalist Party’s deputy leader election, according to sources. This means the November 29 election is likely to be a two-horse race between MEP Simon Busuttil, who first declared his intentions, and Finance Minister Tonio Fenech. Mr Fenech yesterday released a nomination list showing he is supported by seven Cabinet members, including Dr de Marco and Dr Said. Ministers Jason Azzopardi, Giovanna Debono and Dolores Cristina and Parliamentary Secretaries Mario Galea and Clyde Puli have also lent their support to the 43-year-old Finance Minister, as did MPs Charlo Bonnici, Robert Arrigo and Beppe Fenech Adami. A total of 138 voting councillors have endorsed Mr Fenech’s nomination, including a number of candidates and councillors. “I believe the nomination list shows I have a broad base of support from people with different views who feel they can work with me in the best interest of the Nationalist Party,” Mr Fenech told The Sunday Times. The party statute states that the 900 Nationalist councillors who vote in the deputy leadership election may endorse the nomination of other contenders, though few choose to...