Menu
25/04/2002
Assembly wage hike branded a “disgrace”
Plans to raise Northern Ireland Assembly members’ salaries by £5,000 have been a branded a “disgrace” by one Stormont assembly representative.
In a scathing attack on the executive role of the Northern Ireland Assembly, UKUP Assembly Member Robert McCartney said the Assembly had only sat 128 days in two and a half-years and that it had passed little or no meaningful legislation to merit such a hike.
Speaking during a BBC Radio Ulster interview Mr McCartney said: “In the last two years they have only sat for 128 plenary days. It is as someone said, golden handcuffs.”
He added: "The British Government is feeding them so well that there is absolutely no way that those political pigs will get their noses out of the trough, while the trough is kept replenished."
The Alliance Party leader and assembly member David Ford agreed that members were not doing enough work to justify a huge pay rise: "We have highlighted the inadequacies of the executive, because we have had so little legislation to pass and because of the amount of times we have had just one plenary session a week.
"I think it would be difficult to justify to the people of Northern Ireland that we are really doing the job that we were elected to do, so far."
Sinn Féin's Chief whip Alex Maskey said: “It is vital that the Assembly delivers value for money.
“We scrutinise all Executive departments to make sure that scarce resources are well spent. We should demand nothing less of Assembly members.
“It is important that political representatives are able to carry out their jobs effectively, but salaries of £45,000 will not appear to be good value for money to the many people living on low incomes on the six counties.”
(AMcE)
In a scathing attack on the executive role of the Northern Ireland Assembly, UKUP Assembly Member Robert McCartney said the Assembly had only sat 128 days in two and a half-years and that it had passed little or no meaningful legislation to merit such a hike.
Speaking during a BBC Radio Ulster interview Mr McCartney said: “In the last two years they have only sat for 128 plenary days. It is as someone said, golden handcuffs.”
He added: "The British Government is feeding them so well that there is absolutely no way that those political pigs will get their noses out of the trough, while the trough is kept replenished."
The Alliance Party leader and assembly member David Ford agreed that members were not doing enough work to justify a huge pay rise: "We have highlighted the inadequacies of the executive, because we have had so little legislation to pass and because of the amount of times we have had just one plenary session a week.
"I think it would be difficult to justify to the people of Northern Ireland that we are really doing the job that we were elected to do, so far."
Sinn Féin's Chief whip Alex Maskey said: “It is vital that the Assembly delivers value for money.
“We scrutinise all Executive departments to make sure that scarce resources are well spent. We should demand nothing less of Assembly members.
“It is important that political representatives are able to carry out their jobs effectively, but salaries of £45,000 will not appear to be good value for money to the many people living on low incomes on the six counties.”
(AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 May 2011
Newly Elected MLAs In Stormont Return
Northern Ireland's newly elected Assembly is to take its seats this week. Stormont sources said the first session of the Assembly on Thursday will deal with the election of the Speaker.
Newly Elected MLAs In Stormont Return
Northern Ireland's newly elected Assembly is to take its seats this week. Stormont sources said the first session of the Assembly on Thursday will deal with the election of the Speaker.
28 January 2002
NIUP member expelled for remarks over murder allegation
A Northern Ireland assembly member has been expelled from the chamber after he made inflammatory remarks in the chamber about another assembly member.
NIUP member expelled for remarks over murder allegation
A Northern Ireland assembly member has been expelled from the chamber after he made inflammatory remarks in the chamber about another assembly member.
11 April 2011
DUP Seek Changes In First Minister Nomination
Changing the process for electing a First and Deputy First Minister to the NI Executive at Stormont is being put forward as part of suggested reforms for the legislative body. The DUP Leader and outgoing First Minister, Peter Robinson, has launched a new policy document for the pro-union party entitled 'Making Stormont Work Better'.
DUP Seek Changes In First Minister Nomination
Changing the process for electing a First and Deputy First Minister to the NI Executive at Stormont is being put forward as part of suggested reforms for the legislative body. The DUP Leader and outgoing First Minister, Peter Robinson, has launched a new policy document for the pro-union party entitled 'Making Stormont Work Better'.
15 December 2010
NI Budget Revealed At Stormont
The Stormont Assembly has heard details of an agreed budget today, after late night talks at Stormont Castle (pictured) when Ministers spent hours discussing proposals by the First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.
NI Budget Revealed At Stormont
The Stormont Assembly has heard details of an agreed budget today, after late night talks at Stormont Castle (pictured) when Ministers spent hours discussing proposals by the First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.
06 April 2006
Premiers set November 24 deadline for devolution
Northern Ireland Assembly members have been given a November 24 deadline to set up an all-party, power sharing executive or face the axe. Speaking during their visit to Armagh, the British and Irish Premiers today announced that they would recall the local Assembly on May 15 to give it six weeks to form an executive.
Premiers set November 24 deadline for devolution
Northern Ireland Assembly members have been given a November 24 deadline to set up an all-party, power sharing executive or face the axe. Speaking during their visit to Armagh, the British and Irish Premiers today announced that they would recall the local Assembly on May 15 to give it six weeks to form an executive.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
