Ministers cannot accept gifts - code of ethics

Ministers cannot accept gifts or services, according to a code of ethics, even if the Prime Minister still allowed the Finance Minister to go on a football trip with two prominent businessmen in April.

Lawrence Gonzi said yesterday he had nothing to add to his declaration on Sunday when he was first asked whether Tonio Fenech's trip was in breach of the ministerial code of ethics.

He also avoided a direct question as to whether he had all the details of the trip when endorsing Mr Fenech's one-day holiday.

On Sunday, Dr Gonzi defended his minister's behaviour and denied there was a conflict of interest linked to the new gaming regulations.

In an interview with The Times, Mr Fenech said the match tickets and flight were free but he paid for his accommodation. The minister had obtained the Prime Minister's clearance for the trip to watch Arsenal play Villarreal in Spain.

The ministerial code of ethics says that ministers should not accept "gifts or services" that might be deemed to create an "obligation, real or imaginary". The same rule also applies to ministers' spouses and minor children.

On the trip with businessmen Joe Gasan and George Fenech, the minister was accompanied by his son and nephew. The plane they travelled on is a private jet owned by George Fenech and the match tickets were provided by Mr Gasan through Ford's sponsorship of the Champions League.

The ministerial code of ethics also raises question marks over the minister's second trip with Mr Fenech to an airline show in Geneva.

According to the minister, this trip on Mr Fenech's private jet was "official government business" intended to convince a potential investor to open shop in Malta.

The chief executive of Malta Enterprise, Alan Camilleri, also accompanied the minister on the trip.

Dr Gonzi defended his minister's trip on this occasion when asked whether it was official government policy for ministerial travel to be financed privately by businessmen.

"The Minister of Finance, the Economy and Investment is responsible for meeting with investors and attracting business opportunities to Malta. This government supports any opportunity which has the potential to create jobs," the Prime Minister said.

The ministerial code of ethics lays down that when ministers are carrying out government work abroad "they should not accept offers for free travel from governments or other organisations" except as stipulated in the official programme. The code insists that the Prime Minister must be consulted whenever there are doubts.

The minister has defended his actions insisting he had a clear conscience about the affair. He laid the blame for the controversy at the door of gaming parlour operators who are opposed to the new law that intends to introduce strict controls on the sector.

The new gaming regulations have also been interpreted by operators as benefitting casinos.

The issue of the minister's potential conflict of interest because of his travels with Mr Fenech was first raised in an anonymous letter sent to him about two months ago.

Mr Fenech is a casino operator and is bidding for the management contract of the Dragonara Casino.

The letter attempted to blackmail the minister by referring to photos of him travelling with Mr Fenech.

The minister insisted the new regulations were intended to curb abuse and not to favour Mr Fenech. He said he would not resign as long as he enjoyed the Prime Minister's trust.