In his letter of resignation, posted on the web site of his Citizens' List (DL) party, Maher explains that even though he does not think he has done anything wrong, he believes in the highest ethical standards and understands he cannot deal with issues related to his property as a public office holder.

The decision comes after media reported that he built a cottage on a plot of farmland overlooking the Piran Bay without a building permit.

"Even though I am convinced I have developed the construction in accordance to regulations and I have provided documents to substantiate my arguments, I am aware I could not successfully run a department that is in urgent need of sweeping reforms under such a burden," Maher's letter reads.

He regrets that he will not have the opportunity to carry out his programme which he believes in strongly and which has persuaded MPs to support him for minister.

It was the freesheet Žurnal24 which first run a story last Wednesday alleging that Maher owned an illegally built construction.

Maher argued that the structure had already been built when he bought the land 11 years ago, that the previous owner had requested for its legalisation. But aerial photos released by several media showed that the building was not there 11 years ago.

Maher in turn claimed that the photographs pertained to the structure on the part of the plot that he bought later and did not need a building permit.