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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)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
