Mayor clashes with party leader over MLA pay

LISBURN’S Mayor has criticised his party leader over his suggestion MLAs should be paid more.

SDLP Councillor Brian Heading said the 108 assembly members do not need a pay rise. His comments came after Alastair McDonnell suggested assembly members should get a pay increase and a better pension package.

MLAs currently receive a basic salary of £43,000 a year.

But Mr Heading said the Assembly members do not need a pay rise when so many people are struggling financially.

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Mr Heading, who cancelled the Mayoral Dinner to save money, said: “In the current economic climate of business closures and daily announcements of job losses, the idea of such an increase will be hard to stomach by the electorate.”

He continued: “On November 30 I stood with those expected to take a pay cut to fund their pension and those on minimum wage who would appreciate the opportunity to contribute to a pension.”

Mr Heading’s comments were welcomed by Ulster Unionist Councillor Ronnie Crawford. He said: “I warmly congratulate the Mayor on his opposition to the suggestion by his Party Leader Alistair McDonnell.”

Mr Crawford continued: “At a time of austerity and belt-tightening Mr. McDonnell’s remarks are insensitive and irresponsible.

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“He might have sought to emulate the example of the TD’s in the Republic who took a pay cut of 8% in order to share some of the pain being felt by the general public.”

“Cllr. Heading is showing a lot of commonsense by his comments and also by the measures he has already taken to cut spending in the Mayor’s office,” added Mr Crawford.

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