Just one good excuse then, as to why our Prime Minister is defending this ‘ass-et’.

|Arrigo should have been sent packing together with his pathetic pawn, Dimech.

You are right – the requirement is set out here.
http://www.parlament.org.mt/codeofethics-ministers?l=1

However, it is limited to ministers and parliamentary secretaries.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100930/local/gonzi-defends-arrigo-over-sliema-mayors-claims

[Daphne – Hardly. There’s a one-seat majority, remember.]

I hope we wise up to these successful businessmen who are all clamouring for public attention. What are they looking for? A personality cult? Want to emulate Berlusconi? They want to party on the country until death begets them?

And then what?

Daphne, thanks for your comment there.
You see, it may exist, but I do not know enough about it, or do not know how to have a look at it.
I am aware that there is a declaration of financial assets and, I think, of properties. I am not sure it is wider and goes into “interests.”
And I am also not sure how easily accessible it is. For instance, I suspect the assets declaration I know of is done in Parliament, but how can I access it right now?
Also, is the declaration applicable to all MPs and high offices of government, or just Cabinet Ministers?
I know the matter can be complex.

[Daphne – They’re published in the newspapers.]

1. The screening of party candidates. This is probably a tough one, but there are many instruments to be used. It seems to be one of the weak links in cases like the above.

2. Public declaration of key interests by MPs and other high offices of the state. I am not aware this is done, and I haven’t assessed the Constitutional implications if any.

However, I believe that in the interests of public accountability, it may be appropriate to put in place a public register in which MPs, who hold themselves out to represent the electorate, and other offices such as chairmen of public corporations, should be required to update their key interests. Such register should be publicly accessible, on internet if possible.

Those interests can be financial, economic and interests in matters which may be “in the public interest” (e.g. sports, voluntary, other organisations). Those making the disclosure should indicate the names of third parties involved, legal vehicles (e.g. company names) used in pursuing those interests etc.

The public should be aware that MPs are likely to be influenced by those interests.

This disclosure is based on the idea that when one accepts a public office, one has to expect public scrutiny.

I know it sounds like a radical idea. However, public disclosure is a modern tool of transparency and accountability.
Something not very different is done by company directors who are required to disclose to their shareholders their other directorships, which could create conflict or give rise to other interests.

As far as I understand, as things stand, the only way we get to know about MPs interests is through gossip or through major political “scandals” when something, somewhere, has gone wrong.

[Daphne – Errrm, I hate to break it to you, but it’s been done for years. Whether it’s accurate is another matter.]

“Former French Justice Minister and MEP Rachida Dita has apologised after confusing oral sex with inflation.”

Fallation – Inflation / DIta – Dati what’s in a letter or two ?