Savage responds on voting figures

"It is important that I clarify and correct statements made in your paper last week in which it is stated that I am a "shy voter" in the Northern Ireland Assembly. Your article implies that I have a poor record at Stormont yet fails to give details of the period in which the figures were taken from."

"The Assembly has held 168 Divisions (Votes) in the current mandate (from 8th May 2007 - present) of which 50 have been on legislation and 118 on Private Member's Motions. Out of the 50 divisions held on legislation I attended 37, giving a 74% record. On the 118 divisions held on Private Member's Motions I attended 66, giving a 78% record. It should also be noted that Private Member's Motions are not binding and in most cases are on issues outside the Assembly's competence. I also have a 95% attendance at the Committee of Agriculture and Rural Development. I have asked 897 questions in the Assembly including 55 orally on the floor of the Assembly. I have effectively and efficiently held the Executive to account.

"Voting is only one aspect of my role in serving as an elected representative. The electorate are in no doubt of my diligence both within the Assembly and at Constituency Level where my record for getting things done is second to none. I make no apology for working hard all day every day on the issues that matter to the people of Upper Bann."

Editor's Note - Our figures were based on the voting from September 2009 to June 2010 (the 2009-10 Assembly term), my apologies this detail was not carried in our original article.