Nationalist MP Franco Debono said today that possible expulsion from the Nationalist Party was never mentioned to him and he does not think it will happen. 

Dr Debono was condemned by the PN executive committee after he voted for an Opposition motion of no confidence in Home Affairs Minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici, forcing his resignation.

There were reports earlier this week that the PN may be considering expulsion for Dr Debono, Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando and Jesmond Mugliett over the way they voted on the Opposition motions against Home Affairs Minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici and Richard Cachia Caruana, Malta's permanent representative to the EU.

However, PN sources told The Times yesterday that they saw no need and did not intend to expel the three MPs, adding that there were other ways to convey a message. (See http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120705/local/pn-no-plans-to-dismiss-rebel-mps.427182 )

"Even the condemnation by the Executive Committee was too much and I have contested it. I campaigned for fundamental reform and the press is full of stories which prove how right I was about problems in justice and home affairs."

He said that he did not expect condemnation. If anything, there should have been gratitude. "I was made the sacrificial lamb for other people's shortcomings."

"I was made the sacrificial lamb for other people's shortcomings but it is now time to focus on the reforms."

He said he was contesting the motion on procedural grounds and on merit. Even its timing was very perplexing seeing that it had come more than three weeks after the vote of no confidence in the minister was taken.

"The irony is that while the executive is condemning me, newspapers were regularly condemning the performance of the minister" he said, mentioning immigration policy and other sectors,  what happening in the prisons and how accused persons are being acquitted by the courts after police statements are discounted. There had also been the stabbing in the Gozo courts, which, on its own, was sufficient reason for the minister to resign for his failure to provide security, Dr Debono said.

"It just shows how right I was to complain about inaction in justice and home affairs."

He insisted that his motion on reforms should have been debated before the ministerial responsibilities for justice and home affairs were split in the January reshuffle and noted that former minister Mifsud Bonnici had known about his position for several months yet he did not resign, making the government and the party go through an unnecessary ordeal. 

Dr Debono said PN Executive Committee president Marthese Portelli, party General Secretary Paul Borg Olivier and the Prime Minister were 'attending to' his letter contesting the committee's condemnation. He noted that party officials, led by the Prime Minister, were being very cordial and helpful.

JPO'S REACTION

Meanwhile, Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, who backed an Opposition motion calling for the resignation of Richard Cachia Caruana, this morning stood by his allegations that Mr Cachia Caruana colluded with Labour in 1996.

Dr Pullicino Orlando yesterday met PN Deputy leader Tonio Borg, Dr Borg Olivier and Dr Portelli to discuss a way forward on his motion.

PN sources told The Times: "We know what his allegations are about" hinting that Dr Pullicino Orlando would not be able to substantiate them.

In his reaction today, Dr Pullicino Orlando said: "I have only one thing to say - I'm not bluffing."

Mr Cachia Caruana has denied all claims by Dr Pullicino Orlando.