Jack sees no conflict in dual roles; tells Rowley he's no 'easy target'

Warner has dismissed concerns expressed by Opposition Leader Keith Rowley about Warner's dual role as a member of cabinet and Vice President of FIFA.

"I am not an easy target," the Works and Transport minister warned in response to Rowley's announcement of raising the matter of Warner's situation with the Integrity Commission to determine if there is a conflict of interest.

"I have no doubt Rowley coveted the post of Opposition Leader and got it by demolishing his political leader. He now looking for new bait, but he will find that I am not as easy a bait as Manning was," Warner told the Trinidad Express.

Warner said he is not and has never been a paid officer of either FIFA or the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Associations of Football (CONCACAF).

"The fact that I am a member of those two organisations is a credit to Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean," he told the paper.

Warner said several members of FIFA also served in foreign ministerial and political posts. "Chairman of the party in Korea is a member of FIFA, the German Minister of Finance is a member of FIFA, several other officials hold various posts. Their governments consider it an honour," he said.

"It is an honour to everyone except Dr Rowley," and added that he welcomes Rowley’s complaint to the commission.

The FIFA Vice President said if the commission finds any merit in Rowley’s appeal he would be the first to approach the Prime Minister aand deal with it.

"But I have news for him. He have to come very good to succeed with me the way he succeeded with Mr Manning,’ Warner said.

Warner's attorney Om Lalla told the paper he will take a closer look at the Constitution to see if there is any conflict but as far as he knows there is no conflict in Warner sitting in both positions.

"Rowley needs to provide more details. Members of Parliament are allowed to serve in other capacities," Lalla said, noting that FIFA is "far removed from local politics".

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said Rowley does not have to start a campaign on that matter. "I am sure Mr Warner will be guided and will act appropriately in the circumstances," she added.