18/06/2009
NI MPs Expenses Exposed
Following news last night that the Junior Treasury Minister, Kitty Ussher, had resigned because of allegations over avoiding paying capital gains tax, the expenses claims of every Northern Ireland MP for the past four years have been published.
House of Commons authorities have published the details of all MPs after a long-running Freedom of Information battle.
However, much of the information is already out in the open after being leaked to the Daily Telegraph - with the demise of Ms Ussher over her switching homes and avoiding tax - being only the latest such casualty.
Locally, there are various details revealed, such as a claim by the Stormont Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness who billed the taxpayer for painting and decorating costs at £1,410, a first aid kit at £22.99 and even a humble sandwich press at £19.99.
His Executive colleague, First Minister Peter Robinson charged for house repairs at £1,504, a 'tub' chair at £235 and a clock at £31.45.
In contrast to the information leaked to the Daily Telegraph, large sections of these documents are blacked out for security reasons.
The Daily Telegraph says that if this had been the only information available to the public, practices, such as flipping, jargon for an MP changing which home they say is their main residence, would never have been exposed.
Meanwhile, despite her resignation, MP Kitty Ussher still insists she did nothing wrong.
See: Criticism Follows MP's Expenses Publication
(BMcC/NS)
House of Commons authorities have published the details of all MPs after a long-running Freedom of Information battle.
However, much of the information is already out in the open after being leaked to the Daily Telegraph - with the demise of Ms Ussher over her switching homes and avoiding tax - being only the latest such casualty.
Locally, there are various details revealed, such as a claim by the Stormont Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness who billed the taxpayer for painting and decorating costs at £1,410, a first aid kit at £22.99 and even a humble sandwich press at £19.99.
His Executive colleague, First Minister Peter Robinson charged for house repairs at £1,504, a 'tub' chair at £235 and a clock at £31.45.
In contrast to the information leaked to the Daily Telegraph, large sections of these documents are blacked out for security reasons.
The Daily Telegraph says that if this had been the only information available to the public, practices, such as flipping, jargon for an MP changing which home they say is their main residence, would never have been exposed.
Meanwhile, despite her resignation, MP Kitty Ussher still insists she did nothing wrong.
See: Criticism Follows MP's Expenses Publication
(BMcC/NS)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 September 2022
Lyons Launches Series Of Energy Advice And Support Videos
A series of consumer information videos providing energy advice and support to help households this winter, has been launched by Economy Minister Gordon Lyons. The consumer information videos are part of an energy information campaign involving the Department for the Economy, the Consumer Council and the Utility Regulator.
Lyons Launches Series Of Energy Advice And Support Videos
A series of consumer information videos providing energy advice and support to help households this winter, has been launched by Economy Minister Gordon Lyons. The consumer information videos are part of an energy information campaign involving the Department for the Economy, the Consumer Council and the Utility Regulator.
13 September 2021
'We All Must Do It' Campaign Wins Prestigious Advertising Award
The Northern Ireland Executive's Coronavirus public information campaign, 'We all must do it to get through it' campaign has been recognised as the Best Marketing Campaign at the UK Agency Awards ceremony in London.
'We All Must Do It' Campaign Wins Prestigious Advertising Award
The Northern Ireland Executive's Coronavirus public information campaign, 'We all must do it to get through it' campaign has been recognised as the Best Marketing Campaign at the UK Agency Awards ceremony in London.
13 November 2020
New Coronavirus Public Information Campaign Launched
A new Coronavirus public information campaign has been launched by the NI Executive in the run-up to Christmas. It's the latest phase of the multi-channel campaign, and shows how the virus can spread through close personal contact in unregulated settings.
New Coronavirus Public Information Campaign Launched
A new Coronavirus public information campaign has been launched by the NI Executive in the run-up to Christmas. It's the latest phase of the multi-channel campaign, and shows how the virus can spread through close personal contact in unregulated settings.
13 February 2025
Two Men Charged In Connection With New IRA Investigation
Two men have been charged with collecting information likely to be of use to terrorists following an investigation by the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Terrorism Investigation Unit. The men, aged 43 and 49, were arrested in February as part of an ongoing investigation into the activities of the New IRA.
Two Men Charged In Connection With New IRA Investigation
Two men have been charged with collecting information likely to be of use to terrorists following an investigation by the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Terrorism Investigation Unit. The men, aged 43 and 49, were arrested in February as part of an ongoing investigation into the activities of the New IRA.
08 May 2024
PSNI And Partners Hail Success Of Operation Encompass
The PSNI and its education partners have hailed the success of the first year of Operation Encompass. The scheme, designed to support children affected by domestic abuse, was rolled out across all 1,162 schools and EOTAS (Education Other Than at School) centres in Northern Ireland in May 2023.
PSNI And Partners Hail Success Of Operation Encompass
The PSNI and its education partners have hailed the success of the first year of Operation Encompass. The scheme, designed to support children affected by domestic abuse, was rolled out across all 1,162 schools and EOTAS (Education Other Than at School) centres in Northern Ireland in May 2023.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
