‘Ming’ and Griffin to take 50% pay cut
And he already has support from newly-elected FG Kerry South TD Brendan Griffin. The 28-year-old former Kerry councillor has also committed to a 50% salary cut, “in solidarity with the people of Kerry South at this time of national emergency”.
Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Mr Flanagan, elected in Roscommon/South Leitrim, said the country could not afford to continue paying huge salaries to TDs.
He said he wasn’t doing it to be some sort of hero, but because it was inevitable it would have to happen at some stage. “If we expect people to stomach all the cuts, we have to take them too. If enough people agree on it we can put it to a vote in the Dáil.” He said if they don’t do it now they will be forced into it.
The basic salary for a TD is about €92,000, but most earn more than €100,000 and can earn at least €20,000 extra in expenses and other allowances. The salaries of TDs and ministers have been cut by €2.75m over the past 18 months — almost €17,000 per TD.
In December, Mr Flanagan, Mayor of Roscommon, also implemented a 50% cut in his own salary and expenses in that job. He says he will “wait and see” before aligning himself with any other independents, and believes local government reform is essential.
“The number of councillors nationwide should be reduced by 75% and that those remaining be given enhanced powers. We also must have directly-elected mayors.”
