DUP claimed £20,000 each in second home allowances

The Democratic Unionist Party claimed more than £20,000 (€22,650) per MP in second home allowances, a spokesman disclosed today.

Most was spent on mortgage interest payments and council tax for the group, he added.

The party called for the MPs’ expenses system to be scrapped following the political controversy in Westminster.

“We advocate abolishing the MPs’ expenses system and ensuring MPs do not receive a single penny beyond their salary,” it added.

It wants a separate central unit which would look after costs from constituency offices and equipment, staff, utility bills, rent and mortgage payments.

Last week the Daily Telegraph published food and accommodation expenses for leader Peter Robinson and fellow MP and wife Iris.

DUP MPs claimed an average of £20,499 (€23,213) from second home allowances, a statement said.

No MP received the £25 (€28) overnight allowance. The party claimed a third of its £90,000 (€102,000) communications allowances. All got less than £90,000 (€102,000) in 2007/08 for staffing.

A spokesman said: “It is necessary that Northern Ireland MPs have the facility to stay overnight. The DUP MPs do not avail of the overnight allowance. Eight DUP MPs except one, Dr Paisley, make interest payments.

“Dr Paisley stays in rented accommodation whilst staying in London. Therefore, our MPs have to pay council tax, service charges, utilities, telephone and telecommunications, cleaning, service and maintenance, repairs, insurance, security, fixtures and fittings costs.”