Education Minister Louis Galea was the first to cast his nomination for the Nationalist Party leadership yesterday as the race for the top job got underway.
Carefully weighing his words, the 56-year old lawyer and former PN general secretary told journalists he believed he was doing his duty by submitting his name.
Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami announced on Saturday he was giving up the leadership after 27 years, paving the way for an election on February 28.
Two other seasoned politicians are to join the contest - Finance Minister John Dalli and Social Policy Minister Lawrence Gonzi.
Speaking to journalists before casting his nomination, Dr Galea said he had not wanted to take any decision until Dr Fenech Adami definitely made up his mind about his resignation.
Asked whether he felt he could have a headstart from the fact that he was the most senior member of the Cabinet, Dr Galea replied: "The councillors can decide on a person who has worked in his party since his youth, someone who has worked with the modern, historical leaders - Eddie Fenech Adami, Guido De Marco, Censu Tabone and Ugo Mifsud Bonnici, among others."
Among other posts, Dr Galea served as Minister for Social Development (1995-1996), Minister for Home Affairs and Social Development (1992-1995), and Minister for Social Policy (1987-1992).
He has been elected to parliament on every occasion since 1976, having contested for the first time in 1971.
He served as general secretary of the Nationalist Party during the turbulent political years between 1977 and 1987. That period included the infamous 1983 forced entry by the police into the party headquarters at Pietà in search of "cordless telephones".
Dr Galea said the way the process for the election of a PN leader had started clearly showed a stable and responsible party.
Commenting about his priorities for the party, Dr Galea said it was essential for the PN to remain united and to ensure it would continue to increase its enthusiasm to face the challenges of the country.
The PN, he stressed, has distinguished itself along the years by identifying the problems and providing the right opportunities and solutions.