Taiwan PM pledges love activities

Mr Yu said cabinet officials worked like convenience store clerks

Taiwan's Premier Yu Shyi-kun has vowed to help busy cabinet members who are single to find partners, the Taipei Times newspaper reported.

"I feel somewhat obligated to help top officials... because I've kept them way too busy at work," Mr Yu said.

He said special activities might be organised to give them a chance to meet "significant others".

There are currently five unmarried or widowed high-ranking officials in Mr Yu's cabinet.

Mr Yu's pledge came during a lunch party for the wives and husbands of 24 cabinet officials at his residence in Taipei, to mark the second anniversary of his swearing-in as premier.

"I'm much indebted to you who bear with someone who's on call 24 hours a day like a Seven-Eleven clerk," he said.

Mr Yu also urged all married cabinet officials to spend the Valentine's Day with their husbands or wives.