Cost of MLA Wages Exceed Half a Million Pounds

Cost of MLA Wages Exceed Half a Million Pounds - Cllr Doyle

Aontú Cllr for Ballyarnett Emmet Doyle has called on the British Secretary of state to suspend MLA wages until an executive is formed.

Speaking today Cllr Doyle said “We all know the DUP are preventing the formation of an Executive and the functioning of the Assembly, but the reality is that all 90 MLAs are being paid for a job they are only partially doing.”

Cllr. Doyle continued “No other job would countenance such a situation, not for nurses, not care workers and not bus drivers. It is now over 50 days since MLAs signed the register and began to receive wages. That is too long.”

“The wage bill right now has passed the half a million pounds mark. Their wages must be cut immediately and the proceeds should be put into our health service.”

“I have no doubt many of those in receipt of their wages want to get back to work. However, this situation cannot be allowed to continue, especially in a cost of living crisis.” Cllr Doyle concluded

CRÍOCH

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.