By Joe McCann
THIS April Fools Day, MLAs across Northern Ireland will receive a 27% pay increase of £14,200 pay rise, upping their salaries from £53,000 to £67,200.
These increases were suggested and approved by the Independent Remuneration Board which sets MLAs salaries and pensions. In setting the sum, the board sought feedback and views from MLAs, the Assembly Commission and the Assembly Members’ Pension Trustees.
There has been much public comment on the pay rise for MLAs, coming after an investigation found that only 10 pieces of legislation have been passed by Stormont in the two years since power-sharing resumed.
Comment has also been made regarding the pay rises coming at a difficult time for the general public amidst the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and fuel price hikes caused by the American/Israel-Iran war.
The Chronicle reached out to all five MLAs for Strangford to ask them to submit their thoughts on their salary increases.
The five MLAs reached out to were DUP MLAs Michelle McIlveen and Harry Harvey, UUP MLA Mike Nesbitt and Alliance Party MLAs Kellie Armstrong and Nick Mathison. None of the MLAs responded personally, all preferring to allow their party press offices to deal with the queries.
However, Bangor Independent councillor Wesley Irvine has called on the MLAs to reject the pay rise, saying it risks undermining public confidence.
A statement from Alliance said any increase must be cognisant of the unprecedented pressures facing public finances and in line with uplifts in pay for other public sector workers. “We share and understand the public’s
concern at the level of the proposed hike, which is compounded further by a glacial pace of delivery at Stormont, and the impact of stop-start government over the past decade,” said the statement.
“We note that the panel has recommended penalties for periods in which the Assembly and Executive are not operating. These penalties do not go far enough. In addition to the reductions outlined, the salaries of MLAs from those parties who prevent the Assembly from functioning should be stopped completely, as would be the case for other workers engaging in strike action.
A DUP statement said it is ‘right and proper’ that those whose pay is being determined have no role whatsoever in its setting. “It must be a totally independent process,” said the statement.
“DUP MLAs are elected to serve the people and work daily to help their constituents. Our members did not enter public service for financial gain and will continue to work for people in Northern Ireland.”
A statement from the UUP press office said the party understands why many people will look at the headline figure and question it.
“At a time when many households are dealing with rising costs and ongoing financial pressure, concerns about the remuneration of elected representatives are entirely understandable,” said the statement.
“There is never a good time to discuss the remuneration of elected representatives, particularly when many (rightly) feel the Assembly and Executive should be delivering more. Our focus has been, and remains, on improving how our institutions function and on delivering better outcomes and services for the people we represent.”
However, Independent Unionist councillor Wesley Irvine who represents the Bangor Central DEA said MLAs should reject their pay rises and stand in solidarity with the public and deliver an effective government.
Mr Irvine said: “At a time when families across North Down and beyond are struggling with the rising cost of living, increasing the salaries of Members of the Legislative Assembly sends the wrong message. Many people are working harder than ever just to cover basic expenses such as energy bills, food, and housing.
“Public representatives should be demonstrating leadership and solidarity with the communities they serve. Approving a pay rise while public services remain under pressure risks undermining public trust in politics and in the institutions meant to represent ordinary people.
“Instead of prioritising higher salaries for elected officials, the focus should be on delivering effective government, strengthening public services, and supporting those most affected by economic hardship. Leadership requires recognising the realities people face everyday and ensuring that decisions reflect fairness, responsibility, and accountability,” said Mr Irvine.
