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11/05/2009
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.
At the end of April, 4ni.co.uk reported Mr Robinson's commenting: "There are some MPs (in the DUP) that are already indicating to me that they would not intend to stand in the Assembly next time round and that will continue as time goes on."
The new DUP policy document has also indicated today a series of proposed efficiency measures including the merger of the Equality, Human Rights and Children's Commissions.
It also wants to halt recruitment to the Civil Service and abolish both the Parades Commission and the Civic Forum, an appointed body which they said "has not met for years".
Today's announcement by the First Minister comes amid renewed scrutiny on expenses and allowances claimed by MPs in general.
As controversy rages over Westminster expenses - most recently targeting Sinn Féin - the DUP has said that MPs who are also MLAs currently get their full Westminster salary, but only a third of their Stormont salary.
The next Stormont election is due in two years' time. About two-thirds of the 108-strong Assembly are currently sitting councillors.
The DUP announcement follows soon after Sinn Féin was forced to defend their MPs against newspaper allegations that they claimed inflated costs for their accommodation in London.
The Sunday Telegraph claimed that three flats were rented by the MPs in north London over the market rate.
The party's five MPs do not take their Westminster seats so are not entitled to salaries, but they do get expenses.
The party said the rental fees also covered charges for parking, housekeeping and utilities.
The Sunday Telegraph claimed Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness paid £3,600 a month in rent to an Irish landlord for a flat which a local estate agent estimated should cost just £1,400.
See: Peter Robinson 'Unapologetic' For Recruiting Family
See: Prime Minister Apologises Over Expenses 'Scandal'
(BMcC/JM)
Mr Robinson has today also said that some MLAs would give up their council posts.
At the end of April, 4ni.co.uk reported Mr Robinson's commenting: "There are some MPs (in the DUP) that are already indicating to me that they would not intend to stand in the Assembly next time round and that will continue as time goes on."
The new DUP policy document has also indicated today a series of proposed efficiency measures including the merger of the Equality, Human Rights and Children's Commissions.
It also wants to halt recruitment to the Civil Service and abolish both the Parades Commission and the Civic Forum, an appointed body which they said "has not met for years".
Today's announcement by the First Minister comes amid renewed scrutiny on expenses and allowances claimed by MPs in general.
As controversy rages over Westminster expenses - most recently targeting Sinn Féin - the DUP has said that MPs who are also MLAs currently get their full Westminster salary, but only a third of their Stormont salary.
The next Stormont election is due in two years' time. About two-thirds of the 108-strong Assembly are currently sitting councillors.
The DUP announcement follows soon after Sinn Féin was forced to defend their MPs against newspaper allegations that they claimed inflated costs for their accommodation in London.
The Sunday Telegraph claimed that three flats were rented by the MPs in north London over the market rate.
The party's five MPs do not take their Westminster seats so are not entitled to salaries, but they do get expenses.
The party said the rental fees also covered charges for parking, housekeeping and utilities.
The Sunday Telegraph claimed Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness paid £3,600 a month in rent to an Irish landlord for a flat which a local estate agent estimated should cost just £1,400.
See: Peter Robinson 'Unapologetic' For Recruiting Family
See: Prime Minister Apologises Over Expenses 'Scandal'
(BMcC/JM)
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14 October 2009
DUP MPs 'Open On Expenses'
It has been revealed that the DUP's nine MPs are to pay back over £14,000 in Westminster expenses claims. The party has revealed details of the amount in what they said was in the interest of "full disclosure" although some MPs have questioned the accuracy of the sums involved.
DUP MPs 'Open On Expenses'
It has been revealed that the DUP's nine MPs are to pay back over £14,000 in Westminster expenses claims. The party has revealed details of the amount in what they said was in the interest of "full disclosure" although some MPs have questioned the accuracy of the sums involved.
18 December 2019
DUP Selects New Westminster Leader
The DUP has selected Lagan Valley MP Sir Jeffrey Donaldson as its new leader in Westminster. He will replace the outgoing Nigel Dodds, who lost the North Belfast seat to Sinn Fein's John Finucane in last week's General Election. Mr Dodds had held his seat since 2001.
DUP Selects New Westminster Leader
The DUP has selected Lagan Valley MP Sir Jeffrey Donaldson as its new leader in Westminster. He will replace the outgoing Nigel Dodds, who lost the North Belfast seat to Sinn Fein's John Finucane in last week's General Election. Mr Dodds had held his seat since 2001.
23 November 2007
DUP Slams Dublin Oireachtas
A DUP attack has been launched on a special Oireachtas committee that, for the first time yesterday, was attended by MPs from Northern Ireland. The meeting, which was boycotted by unionists, marked the first ever invovlement of any Northern Ireland-based Westminster MPs in the Republic's parliamentary affairs.
DUP Slams Dublin Oireachtas
A DUP attack has been launched on a special Oireachtas committee that, for the first time yesterday, was attended by MPs from Northern Ireland. The meeting, which was boycotted by unionists, marked the first ever invovlement of any Northern Ireland-based Westminster MPs in the Republic's parliamentary affairs.
07 November 2019
General Election: No Green Party Candidates To Run In Belfast
Northern Ireland's Green Party will not stand any candidates in Belfast in the upcoming General Election. Party leader Clare Bailey announced there will be no candidates in East, West and North Belfast after having previously confirmed they will stand aside in South Belfast.
General Election: No Green Party Candidates To Run In Belfast
Northern Ireland's Green Party will not stand any candidates in Belfast in the upcoming General Election. Party leader Clare Bailey announced there will be no candidates in East, West and North Belfast after having previously confirmed they will stand aside in South Belfast.
26 October 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.
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.
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