'No corruption': Former deputy premier John Barilaro gives evidence to ICAC

Former NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro has fronted the ICAC inquiry into Gladys Berejiklian, declaring there had potentially been a breach of the ministerial code of conduct, but "no corruption".

Mr Barilaro told the public hearing the former premier's secret lover Daryl Maguire was a "pain in the arse" when it came to advocating for his electorate.

"A very strong local member, someone who didn't let go, a dog with a bone," Mr Barilaro said of Mr Maguire, the former member for Wagga Wagga.

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The former Nationals Leader said he didn't know about the relationship between Ms Berejiklian and Mr Maguire until Ms Berejiklian's bombshell evidence at the corruption watchdog last year.

The inquiry is looking at whether grants in Mr Maguire's electorate were given any special treatment as a result of his relationship with Ms Berejiklian.

Mr Barilaro staunchly declared Ms Berejiklian should have declared her conflict of interest and that the process would have been handled differently if she had.

"If the premier ... or Treasurer at the time had declared a conflict of interest, she would not have been part of the conversation or the debate and that would have protected many of us in relation to the decision making."

But he also agreed a $5.5 million grant for a shooting club upgrade in Wagga Wagga "had merit" and would have been funded regardless.

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Under cross-examination by Ms Berejiklian's lawyers, Mr Barilaro was asked if he had disclosed all intimate personal relationships he had.

"I would have, yes," he answered.

But Sophie Callan SC pushed again.

"You say you would have, did you do so?" she asked.

"Well, I suppose on your pecuniary interest forms we have to disclose assets or income or connections to trusts," he replied.

When asked a third time, he said "it's a hard question".

"My relationships are with my family."

Outside the commission, Mr Barilaro said he believed Ms Berejiklian to be a person of integrity.

"The issue here is potentially a breach of the Ministerial Code through a conflict of interest, there is no corruption."