SDLP Only Party To Refuse Pay Rise

The SDLP is the only political party to have declined an a £5,000 pay rise for MLAs.

A Freedom of Information request by the BBC to the Northern Ireland Assembly revealed that out of 108 MLAs, only 13 have refused to accept the increase.

Speaking about the decision to refuse the payrise, SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan said: ''At this time of great austerity when people in work are facing pay freezes, pay-cuts and pay-offs and those out of work and with disabilities are facing cuts to their benefits, the SDLP thought it was unacceptable and immoral for elected representatives to accept a payrise.

"People are struggling daily to make ends meet and businesses are facing tough decisions around budgeting. The SDLP are keenly aware of people's struggle and have, out of solidarity, made this decision. While other parties protest about cuts in public expenditure, only the SDLP have literally put our money where our mouths are and declined to take additional money out of the public purse.

"The independent panel which recommended the payrise are completely out of touch not only with the public mood but also with public need. This was evidenced by their decision to cut MLA office costs at a time when demand for assistance and services continues to grow with Welfare Reform imminent.

"We have made and continue to make representations to have the money we have foregone in way of a salary increase redirected to enable our constituency offices to continue to provide a high standard of service and support to our constituents.

"We had also asked the panel if they could redirect the monies to worthy projects in Derry in much need of funding but that request has been turned down."

(IT/CD)