Sinn Féin 'denied £2m in salaries and grants'

Sinn Féin has been denied almost £2m (€2.25m) in Westminster salaries and grants because it does not take its seats, it was disclosed today.

Party leader Gerry Adams called on other parties in the North to come clean on their expenses as he published details of the accounts.

The republican party, which has five MPs, rents a townhouse and apartment in London.

Mr Adams said: “There is deep public anger over the abuse of allowances by MPs at Westminster.

“There is anger at the systematic ripping off of taxpayers’ money from those elected to high office and anger at the complete lack of transparency and accountability.

“Not only does the system need to change, there is a need for a change in political culture.”

The party faced criticism earlier this week over its London accommodation.

But Mr Adams said: “The British Government refuses to pay Sinn Féin MPs our salaries and other grants which all other Westminster MPs receive.

“Over the last five years this has amounted to almost £2m.”

This includes £100,000 (€112,000) a year in policy development grants given to the nationalist SDLP and Democratic Unionist Party, Sinn Féin added.

Each MP draws £21,600 (€24,285) a year for rent and services at the London properties. They are also allowed up to £100,205 (€112,657) a year each in staff costs.

In May 2004 when the party took up rental leases in London it claimed for two television systems worth £1,118 (€1,256), a bed settee at £795 (€894) and Venetian blinds at £485 (€545).

Mr Adams added Sinn Fein had voluntarily published full annual accounts in the north and south of Ireland and in the US.

“The electorate has the right to expect the highest standards from those holding public office and to be confident that taxpayers’ money is being used properly,” he added.

All Sinn Féin party members who are paid a wage, including MPs, receive £356 a week net (€410).