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 UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 August 2006
'More female MPs' for Conservatives
Conservative leader David Cameron has announced plans to increase the number of female parliamentary candidates in the party. Under the new arrangements, two of the final four candidates short-listed for each constituency will have to be women.
'More female MPs' for Conservatives
Conservative leader David Cameron has announced plans to increase the number of female parliamentary candidates in the party. Under the new arrangements, two of the final four candidates short-listed for each constituency will have to be women.
13 October 2009
Cameron Gets Tough On Expenses
The Tories have slipped back in the opinion polls. They dropped one point to 40% while the government gained three to reach 30% in the first Populus poll to be carried out since the round of political conferences. It is the smallest such gap since January and Labour's highest rating in the poll since April.
Cameron Gets Tough On Expenses
The Tories have slipped back in the opinion polls. They dropped one point to 40% while the government gained three to reach 30% in the first Populus poll to be carried out since the round of political conferences. It is the smallest such gap since January and Labour's highest rating in the poll since April.
26 May 2009
Cameron Will Reduce PM's Power
Conservative Opposition Leader David Cameron has discussed a series of radical changes his government would introduce to redistribute power at Westminster. Mr Cameron, writing in today's Guardian newspaper, placed great emphasis on the role and functions of the Prime Minister.
Cameron Will Reduce PM's Power
Conservative Opposition Leader David Cameron has discussed a series of radical changes his government would introduce to redistribute power at Westminster. Mr Cameron, writing in today's Guardian newspaper, placed great emphasis on the role and functions of the Prime Minister.
14 March 2008
MPs Criticised Over 'John Lewis' List
MPs are facing further criticism over their expenses after it was revealed that they can claim up £22,000 for goods for their second homes. The amount that MPs can claim in taxpayer-funded expenses was revealed following a Freedom of Information Act request to release the document.
MPs Criticised Over 'John Lewis' List
MPs are facing further criticism over their expenses after it was revealed that they can claim up £22,000 for goods for their second homes. The amount that MPs can claim in taxpayer-funded expenses was revealed following a Freedom of Information Act request to release the document.
04 February 2011
MPs' Expenses Details Published Online
MP's expenses claims, totalling millions of pounds have now been published online. The report by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) also features the requests that were turned down. Those MPs who had requests for reimbursement refused include Bob Russell, who had £346.
MPs' Expenses Details Published Online
MP's expenses claims, totalling millions of pounds have now been published online. The report by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) also features the requests that were turned down. Those MPs who had requests for reimbursement refused include Bob Russell, who had £346.
-
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.
