Seems that the government has had second thoughts about introducing a bill in parliament which would allow ministers to take friends and relatives while travelling by air at taxpayers expense. So far they were allowed to take only wife and children but the bill would have allowed them to take anyone they wanted. This is supposed to be part of their salary and perks and would undoubtedly have come in very handy. For one, any minister would be able to sell a few seats on the plane for some taxfree shopping. After all a few bottles of single malt would help them relax nicely. Secondly they can show their caring sides. For instance a niece is missing her newly married husband who has gone for a temporary assignment to the US. No problem. Take her along for a bit of cootchie coo with her husband and bring the smile back to her lips. Taxpayer pays. Thirdly one could reward a good act. ' This blogger is getting too big for his boots. Silence him and come with me for a merry trip to Paris and Amsterdam.' Taxpayer pays. With elections imminent they did not have the guts to introduce the bill now but will undoubtedly do so just after. There is no reason why a minister should be allowed to take his children while travelling on official business let alone friends and distant relatives. Just proves what I have been saying all along. Our politicians are a bunch of criminal beggars and our journalists are freeloaders. No sharam, no izzat.