PN dismisses claim that Herman Schiavone has been chosen as whip

The Nationalist Party has dismissed reports currently doing the rounds on social media that PN MP Herman Schiavone is to be appointed PN parliamentary whip instead of David Agius, who has been elected as the party’s deputy leader.

According to the reports, Schiavone was the only Delia supporter who had not yet been given some role in the party.

Most of Delia’s strongest backers have been elected to, or given, important roles within the party as Delia tries to strengthen his grip on a fragmented PN. Kristy Debono was elected pres- ident of the party’s general council, while Pierre Portelli was appointed as executive chairman of the PN media, and Clyde Puli is to become secretary general.

Asked about the claims concerning Schiavone, the PN said no decision had been taken yet and David Agius will retain his duties as whip for now.

Schiavone reacted to the claims in a Facebook post, but did not actually deny that he would be made whip.

“A story circulating in the media claims that Adrian Delia has chosen me as whip. The impression being given is that he did so because I supported him in the leadership election. When I backed Adrian, I did so with great conviction that he was the best candidate we could have had. I do not expect anything in return. I supported him and will keep doing so because I love the party.

“I do not need a role to remain shoulder to shoulder with the leader. In the past, I served all the party leaders as was asked of me, including when I was asked not to stand for election... I bowed my head and did as I was asked with full loyalty. Today, as an MP, I will humbly do the same and serve the party leader, the party and my constituents in whatever way and without expecting anything.”