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12/06/2009
Richie To Quit Council Seat
Margaret Ritchie is to step-down from Down District Council after 24 years as an elected representative, it has been confirmed.
Ms Ritchie, an SDLP MLA and Minister for Social Development, said the decision was prompted by her party's new policy on 'double-jobbing'.
The issue of Northern Ireland elected representatives holding more than one mandate has become a political 'hot potato' in recent months.
DUP leader Peter Robinson has signalled his party's MPs, who also sit at the Assembly and the Executive table, would have to decide which role they would continue.
Democratic Unionist MP Willy McCrea said he would be informing his local association of his decision before going public.
Environment Minister Sammy Wilson has already outlined plans to shake-up the allowance given to councillors also serving as MLAs.
Local councillors currently receive a basic £9,500 allowance, which could be cut. MLAs are paid at least £42,000.
Almost two-thirds of Assembly members also hold council seats.
Ms Ritchie will vacate her Down District position at the council's AGM later this month.
She said: "My decision to step down is line with SDLP policy to end dual mandates at all levels of government and one that will be repeated in other areas across the north in due course."
(PR/JM)
Ms Ritchie, an SDLP MLA and Minister for Social Development, said the decision was prompted by her party's new policy on 'double-jobbing'.
The issue of Northern Ireland elected representatives holding more than one mandate has become a political 'hot potato' in recent months.
DUP leader Peter Robinson has signalled his party's MPs, who also sit at the Assembly and the Executive table, would have to decide which role they would continue.
Democratic Unionist MP Willy McCrea said he would be informing his local association of his decision before going public.
Environment Minister Sammy Wilson has already outlined plans to shake-up the allowance given to councillors also serving as MLAs.
Local councillors currently receive a basic £9,500 allowance, which could be cut. MLAs are paid at least £42,000.
Almost two-thirds of Assembly members also hold council seats.
Ms Ritchie will vacate her Down District position at the council's AGM later this month.
She said: "My decision to step down is line with SDLP policy to end dual mandates at all levels of government and one that will be repeated in other areas across the north in due course."
(PR/JM)
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