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12/02/2013
Bill To End Stormont 'Double-Jobbing'
A new bill could see the end of 'double-jobbing' by MPs at Stormont.
If passed, the new law would mean Assembly members would not be allowed to work as Members of Parliament at the same time after 2015.
A draft law to that effect was published on Monday by NI Secretary of State Theresa Villiers.
The bill would also allow political donors to remain anonymous until at least September 2014.
The MLAs who currently double-job at both Stormont and Westminster include the DUP's Sammy Wilson and Gregory Campbell and the SDLP leader, Alasdair McDonnell.
They would have to give up one of their jobs by the end of the Assembly term, if the new bill is passed.
The bill follows a consultation process. The public was also asked about the idea of having five year Assembly terms, but there was substantial opposition.
Ms Villiers commented on the publication of the draft legislation.
"The draft Bill does not seek to re-open the Belfast Agreement or its successors. Any kind of significant change to the Agreements could only come about with widespread consensus among the parties represented in the Assembly. Rather, the government’s purpose here is to make a limited number of useful reforms, generally of a technical nature, that will improve how politics, and the Assembly, function in NI.
"I have asked the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee to undertake scrutiny, and the Committee will issue a call for evidence very shortly. I hope that everyone with a view will make the effort to respond."
(IT)
If passed, the new law would mean Assembly members would not be allowed to work as Members of Parliament at the same time after 2015.
A draft law to that effect was published on Monday by NI Secretary of State Theresa Villiers.
The bill would also allow political donors to remain anonymous until at least September 2014.
The MLAs who currently double-job at both Stormont and Westminster include the DUP's Sammy Wilson and Gregory Campbell and the SDLP leader, Alasdair McDonnell.
They would have to give up one of their jobs by the end of the Assembly term, if the new bill is passed.
The bill follows a consultation process. The public was also asked about the idea of having five year Assembly terms, but there was substantial opposition.
Ms Villiers commented on the publication of the draft legislation.
"The draft Bill does not seek to re-open the Belfast Agreement or its successors. Any kind of significant change to the Agreements could only come about with widespread consensus among the parties represented in the Assembly. Rather, the government’s purpose here is to make a limited number of useful reforms, generally of a technical nature, that will improve how politics, and the Assembly, function in NI.
"I have asked the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee to undertake scrutiny, and the Committee will issue a call for evidence very shortly. I hope that everyone with a view will make the effort to respond."
(IT)
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