DUP double crossing voters on double jobbing
26 November 2010
Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
"The DUP's position before the Westminster election could not have been clearer. On Thursday 25th March Peter Robinson declared:
"Our party executive last night approved an officer recommendation that will mean any of our Assembly Members elected to Westminster will give up their Assembly seats. However the party believe that it is important, especially at this time, with the prospect of a hung Parliament that the party leader should remain at Westminster.
"While personally I made no secret of the fact that I would have been content to concentrate on the Assembly I understand the access that comes with being a Member of Parliament is important for the leader of unionism, whoever that is.
"In addition all our MPs and Ministers will stand down from local government. The gaps left by these decisions will encourage and provide greater opportunities for those in our membership seeking to be involved in public service."
"The statement is still online on the DUP's own website here.
"Yet today in the News Letter Mr Robinson suggests that the DUP will allow MPs to run for election to the Assembly.
"Even by the DUP’s duplicitous standards Mr Robinson's announcement is outrageous and amounts to a flagrant breech of the DUP's pledge to end the practice of double jobbing.
"At a time when many people are out of work and would be delighted if they could obtain just one job I have no doubt that Mr Robinson's comments will be met with disgust by many people.
"An MP's job is a full-time job and is paid as such.
"An MLA's job is a full-time job and is paid as such.
"People are demanding greater value for money from public servants and it is deeply regrettable that the DUP should see fit to mislead the electorate on this issue."
