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26/10/2007
MPs Expenses Revealed
The level of expenses claimed by Northern Ireland's Westminster MPs has been revealed.
North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds was Northern Ireland's most expensive MP - claiming £151,412 in allowances last year.
The DUP MP ran up a bill 11.5% higher than the House of Commons average of £135,850 in the 12 months to March this year, ranking him 72nd highest spending MP in the UK.
Sinn Fein politician Michelle Gildernew racked up more claims than four DUP MPs, despite not taking her Westminster seat, according to the report.
The Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP leapt dramatically up the table from 642 last year to 383 in 06/07 after claiming £138,779 compared to £40,898.
Her bill was even higher than that of Northern Secretary Shaun Woodward.
Party colleague, Assembly Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness was in 244th place, claiming £141,790, which again was higher than First Minister Ian Paisley, who spent £136,498.
The figures cover everything from office and staff costs, to computer equipment, travel expenses, a home in London and postage bills.
They can use the so-called "additional cost allowance" of up to £21,634 to buy a London home at public expense - opting for interest-only mortgages to cut their own repayment costs.
(BMcC)
North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds was Northern Ireland's most expensive MP - claiming £151,412 in allowances last year.
The DUP MP ran up a bill 11.5% higher than the House of Commons average of £135,850 in the 12 months to March this year, ranking him 72nd highest spending MP in the UK.
Sinn Fein politician Michelle Gildernew racked up more claims than four DUP MPs, despite not taking her Westminster seat, according to the report.
The Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP leapt dramatically up the table from 642 last year to 383 in 06/07 after claiming £138,779 compared to £40,898.
Her bill was even higher than that of Northern Secretary Shaun Woodward.
Party colleague, Assembly Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness was in 244th place, claiming £141,790, which again was higher than First Minister Ian Paisley, who spent £136,498.
The figures cover everything from office and staff costs, to computer equipment, travel expenses, a home in London and postage bills.
They can use the so-called "additional cost allowance" of up to £21,634 to buy a London home at public expense - opting for interest-only mortgages to cut their own repayment costs.
(BMcC)
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The Ulster Unionist Party's three rebel MP's are set to retake the party whip next week. Jeffrey Donaldson, David Burnside and the Rev Martin Smyth are said to have discussed the matter privately at a special meeting.
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Nine people were convicted of benefit fraud at Belfast Magistrates' court this week for claiming benefits they were not entitled to - with one handed a jail term. Colin McGookin (52) of Sheringhurst Park, Belfast claimed Income Support, Incapacity Benefit and Disability Living Allowance totalling £25,168 while failing to declare employment.
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Fraudsters are being made to pay the price for claiming a variety of benefits they were not entitled to. A total of 14 people were convicted at Belfast Magistrates' court yesterday with Joanne McBride (35) of Portallo Street, Belfast claiming Income Support totalling £4,451 while failing to declare she was working.
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Some DUP MLAs Won't Renew 'Double Mandate'
Some 'double-jobbing' DUP Westminster MPs will not stand as candidates at the next Stormont Assembly election. However, there is no indication that the party Leader and NI First Minister Peter Robinson is to be among those to end the double mandate. Mr Robinson has today also said that some MLAs would give up their council posts.
Some DUP MLAs Won't Renew 'Double Mandate'
Some 'double-jobbing' DUP Westminster MPs will not stand as candidates at the next Stormont Assembly election. However, there is no indication that the party Leader and NI First Minister Peter Robinson is to be among those to end the double mandate. Mr Robinson has today also said that some MLAs would give up their council posts.
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