PN deputy leadership race is too close to call

Away from the cameras there is very little friendliness in the Nationalist Party deputy leadership contest, which sources say is too close to call as it enters its crucial final stage. MEP Simon Busuttil entered the contest as a clear frontrunner when he submitted his candidature before anyone else. However, with practically the entire Cabinet as well as officials from the Office of the Prime Minister backing his rival candidate, Finance Minister Tonio Fenech has a number of PN councillors pledging their support for him. As things stand, no party official is prepared to make clear predictions for Friday’s vote, even if party insiders say surveys show Dr Busuttil clearly emerges the favourite in popular polls. Over the past weeks, Mr Fenech has received high profile endorsements during strong lobbying in party clubs events from the likes of Austin Gatt, Mario de Marco and Beppe Fenech Adami, who pledged their vote to the Finance Minister and lobbied councillors to do the same. In Gozo, he has PN stalwarts Giovanna Debono and Chris Said rooting for him. Dr Busuttil has his own key supporters, including former PN general secretary Joe Saliba, who enjoys respect among councillors on...