MLA pay increase motion ‘shelved’
A motion approving a pay increase for MLAs due for debate at the Assembly will not be brought forward for debate, according to Stormont sources.
It is understood both the SDLP and the DUP have been to see the Speaker Willie Hay.
This was to express unhappiness that party leaders were not consulted before the motion was tabled by the Assembly Commission.
The Assembly Commission runs Parliament Buildings.
However, some commission sources say the parties were consulted.
The motion would have approved a report which included a proposal that MLAs should get a £7,000 wage rise to be paid, after the 2011 Assembly election.
But some of the parties argue this would pre-empt a decision which should be taken by a new independent salary body being set up by Westminster. Sinn Fein had tabled amendments opposing any pay increase.
The motion was due to be debated at the assembly on Monday.
The removal of the motion has been welcomed by Sinn Fein assembly member Caral Ni Chuilin.
“Our party was the only party who continually highlighted our objections to the proposed pay-increase.
“We submitted an amendment to the original motion calling for the removal of those recommendations contained in the report which proposed that increase,” she said.
