Psychologist in war of words with minister over speeding claims

A NICOSIA psychologist yesterday refuted claims by the Health Minister that he had ulterior motives when he reported him for speeding.

Vassilis Christodoulou on Monday complained during a live radio broadcast that while driving on the Limassol to Nicosia motorway he had been overtaken by the ministers of health and communication, who were allegedly driving way beyond the legal speed limit.

Christodoulou also claimed he had once seen Justice Minister Nicos Koshis driving in the (fast) lane, talking on a mobile phone and obstructing traffic.

Health Minister Frixos Savvides reacted saying Christodoulou had ulterior motives in making his claims.

Savvides claimed Christodoulou had in fact himself been booked on Monday and was trying to get his own back.

Christodoulou yesterday emphatically denied he had been fined for speeding and that that might have been why he reported the ministers.

"It is not true. I was not reported by police," Christodoulou told the Cyprus Mail.

"I reported the ministers because it is a matter of principle," he added.

"It is easy to confirm if what I said was true," Christodoulou said.

Communications Minister Averoff Neophytou conceded on Monday that ministers did occasionally speed, and said they could not justify breaking the laws they expected other citizens to obey.

Koshis asserted no one was above the law and asked any specific complains concerning himself to be reported.

He admitted his drivers sometimes exceeded the speed limit, but said if they were booked they too would have to pay the fine.

Asked on Tuesday night to comment on the incident, Police Chief Andreas Angelides’ answer was blunt.

He dismissed the reports as petty, adding that no police officer who ever would fine a minister.