Griscti, a childhood friend of Delia, said that attempts to portray him as being in Joseph Muscat’s pocket were ridiculous from the start as he has always been PN through and through.

“As a classmate at college I never had any doubt, even when I was his biggest critic. Few I knew were more PN, I can guarantee that,” he said.

Griscti said Delia’s decision to stand by the party despite the internal storm he faced during his tenure as leader stands out as “the most compelling sense of loyalty I have ever witnessed in the political field”.

“But now I realise that I shouldn’t have been surprised…it is vintage Adrian, loyal always and in every season! I cannot emphasise it enough. It is a character trait that is unique in many respects bit truly remarkable and admirable.”

He also praised Delia’s performance as an MP as a “parliamentary tour de force”, as well as his tenacity in sticking to the Vitals case.

“Let’s face it. The PN, the party we expected to take it on, abandoned the case and Adrian refused to cave in, refused to stamp his feet. He soldiered on and gave those hospitals back to the Maltese people, despite being an Opposition MP and despite being abandoned by his own party.”

“What else… tell me… what the hell else do you need to understand that the guy is exactly the person we all need to fight our patch, represent us, never give up and drive us to a new, sane and livable Malta?”

Griscti concluded by saying he has no doubt that Delia is the leader who can help the PN emerge from its “stupor which is choking us day by day”.

“After many years reflecting, observing, absorbing, I am in absolutely no doubt that Adrian Delia is the right man to lead the way to a new beginning.”

“He not only deserves it, he has earned it. He is by a million miles the most qualified for it and he quite simply proved himself in thick and thin and against all odds.” I have absolutely zero doubts that he is the PN’s man for all seasons.”