As the Minister of Finance is in full swing preparing for the presentation of the Budget 2010, it seems that on a personal basis he is in troubled waters regarding the free trip to Spain to watch the Villareal/Arsenal match last April. God forbid if our politicians are so easily bribed by such a compliment as the minister has rightly stated in his interview to The Times (October 13).

As an Arsenal supporter I do not blame him for taking this opportunity to make this free trip and obtaining the free tickets to watch the match. If ever this occasion arises again, allow me to inform the hosts of this venture that I would very much appreciate having such an invitation as a substitute for the Minister. I assure one and all that I would have no conflict of interest.

Allow me to ask a pertinent question to all members of Parliament, be it a minister, a government member or a member in opposition of the House of Representatives: If ever somebody knocked at their respective homes or offices to present them with a hamper or some form of a token during Christmas or Easter tide or on some other special occasion which comes up during the year, have they flatly refused such tokens and returned the packs to the respective donors?

A reply from the hon. gentlemen would be greatly solicited.