Sinn Fein MPs dragged into allowance controversy
By politics.co.uk staff
The continuing row over MPs’ expenses took another twist today following the revelation that Sinn Fein MPs, who refuse to even sit in parliament, have claimed more than £430,000.
In the last year alone the five elected members from Northern Ireland claimed £105,000 – £21,000 each – to rent two flats in London despite the fact they are rarely seen in the capital.
Because they refuse to take their seats in Westminster, as it would require them to swear allegiance to the crown, they are not eligible for a salary or pension but are able to draw expenses thanks to a deal worked out with Tony Blair in 2002.
A party spokesman said: “Sinn Fein MPs do not receive a salary from Westminster, nor do they employ any family members.
“Sinn Fein makes no apology for refusing to sit in the British House of Commons. We make no apology for ensuring that people who vote for Sinn Fein get the same democratic entitlements as everyone else.”
The revelations have caused outrage among critics who decry the fact they are able to claim expenses when they refuse to enter parliament and question the seemingly high cost to simply rent two flats at £52,500 each per year.
“It is completely unacceptable for Sinn Fein representatives, who won’t even sit in parliament, to claim hundreds of thousands at the taxpayers’ expense,” said shadow Northern Ireland secretary Owen Paterson.
“That is why the Conservatives have consistently opposed members who refuse to take their seats receiving the accommodation allowance.”
Former Tory chairman Lord Tebbit expressed his concern that taxpayers were “being taken for a ride”.
“It is too much to claim for living in London when they don’t even attend the Commons,” he said.
“I’m very surprised that these MPs are so undignified as to claim money from Her Majesty’s Treasury at all, since they refuse to recognise the Queen.”
Gerry Adams, Martin McGuinness, Michelle Gildernew, Conor Murphy and Pat Doherty have together claimed £437,405 in expenses since figures were first published in 2001/02.
As part of the peace process Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness negotiated a deal whereby Sinn Fein MPs could claim for expenses and had access to office space in London, despite refusing to sit in parliament.
“It is time for Sinn Fein to stop being so hypocritical,” wrote Tom Elliot, an Ulster Unionist member of the Northern Ireland assembly on the party’s website.
“They sit under the crown in the assembly, a devolved institution within the United Kingdom. In that assembly they pass legislation which is ratified by the Queen. Some may ask what the difference is.
“Sinn Fein needs to either come to terms with the fact that they are of these institutions, or their expenses claims need to be removed.”
The news follows statements from home secretary Jacqui Smith defending her expense claims for a second home, despite living with her sister, amid calls for her resignation.
