A member of Giulio Andreotti's current, he was under minister of the Public Functions (1988-1989) and Minister of the Budget (1989-1992). He was nicknamed "o' ministro" ("The minister" in Neapolitan dialect). During his membership of DC, he has been convicted for illegal financing (sentenced to 1 year and 8 months) and he negotiated (thereby admitting guilt) 2 months for corruption and hidden funds. He was also involved in the scandal of the funds management for the reconstruction after the 1980 Irpinia earthquake.