Rath to take steps to rule out any chance of conflict of interest

In related news, David Rath has promised to take steps to rule out any chance of conflict of interest should he give up his deputy position and take up the health minister post. At the weekend Mr Rath said he would suspend all private business activities during his time in public service, and he has now said he will make a public affirmation to settle the point. Last week Mr Rath was appointed deputy health minister after President Vaclav Klaus refused to approve his nomination for the top job because of conflict of interest.

The Prime Minister then re-nominated him for the post on Friday, threatening legal action to push the appointment through. Unless the Constitutional Court decides otherwise, the president is under no pressure to name the prime minister's candidate to the post.