Menu
21/05/2009
Cameron Brings 'Direct' Roadshow To NI
Conservative leader David Cameron is in Northern Ireland today hosting his first Cameron Direct roadshow in the province.
Prior to the meeting, Mr Cameron, who recently agreed a voting pact with the Ulster Unionist Party, said Parliamentary expenses for Sinn Féin MPs would be revoked under a new Tory government.
At present, elected members from the republican party do not collect their Westminster salaries, and refuse to sit in the House of Commons.
However, the five MPs can still claim for expenses, including the contentious second home allowance.
Mr Cameron, who continues to lead Prime Minister Gordon Brown in popular opinion polls, said it is inconceivable that a Conservative majority would vote for taxpayer's money to continue funding absentee MPs.
In the last financial year, Sinn Féin's five MPs Gerry Adams, Martin McGuinness, Pat Doherty, Michelle Gildernew, and Conor Murphy each claimed £21,000 in Additional Cost Allowances - just short of the maximum claim allowed.
Speaking in today's Belfast Telegraph on the nationwide expenses furore, Mr Cameron said he has already banned some of the worst practices available to MPs.
Most notably the flipping of second homes with main homes, in order to avoid capital gains tax.
Meanwhile, veteran Tory Sir Peter Viggers is preparing to retire after he admitted claiming for a £1,645 "duck island" in his garden on expenses.
Sir Peter's decision was prompted by a direct request from the party leader.
In total he has claimed over £30,000 in gardening expenses.
The Gosport MP was told he faced the removal of the whip if he did not announce that he would withdraw at the next election.
Sir Peter served as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Industry Minister) at the Northern Ireland Office (Sept 1986-July 1989).
His major achievements during that time were the privatisation of Short Brothers aircraft company, and Harland and Wolff shipyard.
(PR/JM)
Prior to the meeting, Mr Cameron, who recently agreed a voting pact with the Ulster Unionist Party, said Parliamentary expenses for Sinn Féin MPs would be revoked under a new Tory government.
At present, elected members from the republican party do not collect their Westminster salaries, and refuse to sit in the House of Commons.
However, the five MPs can still claim for expenses, including the contentious second home allowance.
Mr Cameron, who continues to lead Prime Minister Gordon Brown in popular opinion polls, said it is inconceivable that a Conservative majority would vote for taxpayer's money to continue funding absentee MPs.
In the last financial year, Sinn Féin's five MPs Gerry Adams, Martin McGuinness, Pat Doherty, Michelle Gildernew, and Conor Murphy each claimed £21,000 in Additional Cost Allowances - just short of the maximum claim allowed.
Speaking in today's Belfast Telegraph on the nationwide expenses furore, Mr Cameron said he has already banned some of the worst practices available to MPs.
Most notably the flipping of second homes with main homes, in order to avoid capital gains tax.
Meanwhile, veteran Tory Sir Peter Viggers is preparing to retire after he admitted claiming for a £1,645 "duck island" in his garden on expenses.
Sir Peter's decision was prompted by a direct request from the party leader.
In total he has claimed over £30,000 in gardening expenses.
The Gosport MP was told he faced the removal of the whip if he did not announce that he would withdraw at the next election.
Sir Peter served as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Industry Minister) at the Northern Ireland Office (Sept 1986-July 1989).
His major achievements during that time were the privatisation of Short Brothers aircraft company, and Harland and Wolff shipyard.
(PR/JM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 April 2017
Investigation Launched Following Attempted Burglary In Co Down
Police have launched an investigation after two men, armed with hammers, attempted to burgle a house in Ballywalter, Co Down. The incident happened at a property in Meadow Park shortly before 7.30am on Sunday, 02 April. The burglars were forced to flee the scene after two occupants inside the house overpowered them.
Investigation Launched Following Attempted Burglary In Co Down
Police have launched an investigation after two men, armed with hammers, attempted to burgle a house in Ballywalter, Co Down. The incident happened at a property in Meadow Park shortly before 7.30am on Sunday, 02 April. The burglars were forced to flee the scene after two occupants inside the house overpowered them.
18 March 2014
NI Contributes To UK Extreme Weather Review
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has announced that his department will be contributing to the national review of the resilience of UK transport networks to extreme weather. The review was announced by Prime Minister David Cameron following the extreme weather conditions experienced in many parts of the UK earlier this year.
NI Contributes To UK Extreme Weather Review
Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has announced that his department will be contributing to the national review of the resilience of UK transport networks to extreme weather. The review was announced by Prime Minister David Cameron following the extreme weather conditions experienced in many parts of the UK earlier this year.
15 February 2013
Bloody Sunday Families Offered £50,000
The families of the victims of Bloody Sunday have been each offered £50,000 compensation, according to the BBC. The same amount has also been offered to people who were injured in the shootings. BBC Northern Ireland has revealed how the offer follows months of discussion between lawyers for the Ministry of Defence and the families' legal teams.
Bloody Sunday Families Offered £50,000
The families of the victims of Bloody Sunday have been each offered £50,000 compensation, according to the BBC. The same amount has also been offered to people who were injured in the shootings. BBC Northern Ireland has revealed how the offer follows months of discussion between lawyers for the Ministry of Defence and the families' legal teams.
21 October 2011
IRA Victims 'Closer To Libyan Settlement'
News of the death of Libya's former leader Muammar Gaddafi has prompted the DUP Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson to further press for settlement of legal claims by IRA victims against the former regime.
IRA Victims 'Closer To Libyan Settlement'
News of the death of Libya's former leader Muammar Gaddafi has prompted the DUP Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson to further press for settlement of legal claims by IRA victims against the former regime.
05 April 2006
£4 million research centre opens in Coleraine
A £4 million research centre has been opened in Coleraine as part of the government's drive to make Northern Ireland into an innovation-led economy. The centre of excellence, based at the University of Ulster's Coleraine Campus, will carry out research into diseases such as cancer and diabetes.
£4 million research centre opens in Coleraine
A £4 million research centre has been opened in Coleraine as part of the government's drive to make Northern Ireland into an innovation-led economy. The centre of excellence, based at the University of Ulster's Coleraine Campus, will carry out research into diseases such as cancer and diabetes.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
