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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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