Minister Chuck sets the record straight

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I am responding to your editorial of Monday, September 12, 2016, titled 'Wanting more from Mr Chuck', which may have left your readers with the impression that my statement on the need for greater transparency by political parties in the light of public discourse on campaign financing was the most substantive of the responses that I gave to reporters who sought my views on the matter.

CAMPAIGN FINANCING

In fact, my response to the press was located within the context of my ministerial portfolio as the cabinet minister who would have responsibility for preparing the submission on campaign financing for the consideration of the Cabinet. I told the reporters that the government had intended to deal with campaign-financing law and that I had no doubt that given the public interest in the matter, the legislation could be ready "in a few weeks or months". I also pointed out that given the very packed agenda of Cabinet each week, something may have to be deferred to allow place for campaign-financing legislation.

Clearly, I did more than "appeal(ed) to the best instincts of the political parties" and went even further than your own recommendation which essentially confined my role to one of advocacy.

Your criticism did not do justice to my more complete and substantial response to the press.

Delroy Chuck

Minister of Justice