'I will not be silenced'

Vince Farrugia's MEP candidature with the Nationalist Party has yet to be accepted by the party's executive but the economist insists it will not silence his criticism of the government if the need arose.

"I will be contesting the MEP elections to become a member of European People's Party parliamentary group. The job of an MEP does not include justifying or apologising for the government's actions," he said.

PN general secretary Paul Borg Olivier confirmed the party has held discussions with Mr Farrugia over his candidature but insisted the approval of any nomination remained the "sole prerogative" of the executive committee.

Mr Farrugia had been toying with the idea of entering the political fray since December, when The Sunday Times revealed that he had been approached by the party to contest the EP elections in June.

If Mr Farrugia's candidature is approved it would be the PN's answer to the high profile candidature of economist Edward Scicluna with the Labour Party.

The outspoken chief of the Malta Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises - GRTU, said he informed Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, as the party leader, and Dr Borg Olivier, whom he described as his "contacts in the PN", of his decision to accept the invitation.

"I feel it would be a shame that the baggage of experience and contacts that I have should go to waste if I just walked out into the sunset," the 64-year-old Mr Farrugia said.

"Even though the PN is currently in the middle of a storm, I am not one to shy away from bad situations. In these times of economic turmoil it's all the more important to have people with my experience, especially at a European level," he said.

Asked whether he anticipated any resistance from PN officials and supporters, given his most recent crusade against the higher utility tariffs introduced by the government, Mr Farrugia said he did not have such a feeling.

"Until now I have not encountered any resistance. This is not the feeling I am getting from the leadership and officials from the rank and file of the party. I would be surprised if there will be resistance against me contesting but I don't exclude it," Mr Farrugia said.

As for his position within the GRTU, Mr Farrugia will be lowering his profile but will not relinquish his post.

"I cannot abandon the GRTU members. I will still have a low-profile technical role to play in assisting the GRTU and its members, at least throughout the campaign," Mr Farrugia said.

However, he would not say whether he would resign the post if elected. That would be the question to ask after June.

The PN has so far six confirmed candidates for the June election. Incumbents Simon Busuttil and David Casa are joined by Roberta Metsola Tedesco Triccas, Edward Demicoli, Rudolph Cini and Alex Perici Calascione.

The PN has also invited biologist Alan Deidun to join the list but he has not yet decided whether or not to accept.