Kurt Sansone
Minister defends Spain trip
Finance Minister Tonio Fenech has defended the trip he made with two prominent businessmen in April to watch Arsenal play in a Champions League match, insisting he has a clear conscience about the affair.
Mr Fenech said he had sought clearance from the Prime Minister before accepting to accompany George Fenech and Joe Gasan, on the former's private jet, to watch the English team play in Spain.
In an interview with The Times today, the minister says he did not offer his resignation after the controversial trip was made public by a newspaper on Sunday, adding he enjoyed the Prime Minister's trust.
"If he (the Prime Minister) feels that because of this circumstance I am not fit to carry on in my job I will resign," Mr Fenech says.
He explains that the tickets and flight were free but he paid for his accommodation. The party also included Mr Gasan's son and the minister's own son and nephew.
The minister became embroiled in this controversy after MaltaToday reported that, during Saturday's Nationalist Party parliamentary group, MP Franco Debono accused him of having a conflict of interest over the gaming regulations, having been on a trip with George Fenech.
George Fenech has a direct interest in two casinos and is also bidding for the management of the Dragonara Casino, which falls under the minister's remit. The new gaming regulations have also been interpreted by operators as benefitting casinos.
Contacted yesterday, Dr Debono denied having accused the minister: "I only questioned the matter because it was something people were asking. Who am I to determine whether Tonio Fenech has a conflict of interest or not?"
Mr Fenech confirmed that it was not Dr Debono who first raised the issue during the meeting but the Prime Minister who was aware of an anonymous letter that was posted to the minister some two months ago.
The minister showed this newspaper the letter which blackmailed him over an alleged trip he had made with George Fenech to watch a tennis match at Wimbledon.
The letter alleged he was closing the gambling parlours to favour George Fenech's business interests. The anonymous writer also claimed that he had photos to prove the minister had been on the alleged trip.
Mr Fenech insisted he would not give in to threats by people who have much to lose from the government's latest drive to curb illegal gaming.
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Charles Sammut
Dec 15th 2010, 09:57
Of course "he enjoyed the prime minister's trust" and he still does and will do as long as they are in power...birds of a feather flock together !
Bring on the election!!
philip pace
Oct 14th 2009, 09:08
So Tonio Fenech has the Piano Man's trust?
But does he have the people's trust?
It is a silly mistake from the young minister.
Foreign politics would never do what he did.
And if they did theu would have to resign.
Do you think that enough is enough from this very uncredible Government when we have ministers to do as they please, disregarding any political ethics?
No wonder the disgruntled NP backbenchers acted as they did (but not in full clear way). They are right!
Unbelievable!
Incorrect!
L Bonnici
Oct 14th 2009, 08:47
I cannot understand why this story comes out only now.... i.e. almost 6 months after it happened! If newspapers really want to be factual and to the point (not simply sensational as they are) they should have published this story as soon as it became known....
A Zammit
Oct 14th 2009, 08:42
@ Anthony Castillo: Just why don't you see lately what YOUR government gave to other people in the same party? Trying to defend the undefendable as usual!
G.Debono
Oct 14th 2009, 08:19
I think some ministers genuinely do not think before they take action. Even if this trip is genuine lovely buvly were so friends since primary school. Could it not have crossed Mr. Minister's (accountable) mind, that this free trip / free tickets are a no no from business people when given to people who have decision making powers ?
Its called Ethics.
Sorry Mr. Minister, although I have not sympathy for both the PL and the PN. In this case, and considering who the businessmen are and what their business interests are - you should have turned down the offer. Some ministers abroad have resigned their position (and accepted) for less than this.
G.Schembri
Oct 13th 2009, 22:10
The Minister might enjoy the PM's trust. but does he enjoy the people's trust? It was the people who elected him to parliament and not the PM. Now he has to ask his costituents if they trust him or not. The Prime Minister might be his leader but the nation is his employer.
c. camilleri
Oct 13th 2009, 15:46
HOn. Tonio. you could have avoided all this embarrassment to the Govt and used Air Malta instead. Is it possible that you could not foresee in what a mess you have put yourself and the party? Perhaps your party has not enough problems to deal with. If the Nat MPs continue with these silly slips the future is dark indeed.
Michael Seychell
Oct 13th 2009, 15:34
Those who are interested to read my comment on this subject may see it on the news item which appeared further up.
Michael Seychell
Tal-Pieta
C. Farrugia
Oct 13th 2009, 13:47
But how blind can a politician become? Remember Labour in 1987 not seeing what was obvious for everybody except diehards. Can Minister Fenech realise that he has compromised himself. Whatever is decided on the Gaming law and the granting of the Dragonara concessions will be mired in controversy. If any of the decisions is seen to favour the Tumas Group then it will be said that it as done as a thank you. If it is seen as being against the Tumas Group, it will be said that he wanted to clear his conscience. Whatever is decided the decision will not seem balanced. How blind can one possibly be? The same can be said for Mr George Fenech. He should see the damage he has done to his group seen pandering to politicians. The authority of the Prime Minister has nothing to do with this. If Dr Fenech wanted to see Arsenal he should got a Ryan Air Flight and went.
Anthony Mizzi
Oct 13th 2009, 12:31
If Dr. Tonio Fenech had no qualms about his pleasure trip and the company he was going with why ask Dr. Gonzi’s permission to go in the first place?
I don’t think that Nationalist MPs and Ministers always seek Dr. Gonzi’s permission or approval whenever they go on a pleasure trip or to watch some international match?
Anthony Castillo
Oct 13th 2009, 12:05
Mr Albert Galea you know whats a conflict of interest is, when a minister gives the property of the Maltese people for life to a political party as in the case of the Labour Party.
ALBERT GALEA
Oct 13th 2009, 11:24
IF THIS IS NOT CONFLICT OF INTEREST, WHAT IS CONFLICT OF INTEREST? THE PM DEFENDS MINISTER FENECH? WE ARE USED TO THE PM DIFENDING HIS MINISTERS.