Ulster Unionist Councillor and Westminster candidate Ross Hussey has once again asked the question how and why have Sinn Fein managed to escape the microscope of the investigations into MP’s expenses? Their continual claims for second home allowances leaves a lot to be desired. Before an MP can make a claim for this allowance he or she signs the following declaration ’I confirm that I incurred these costs wholly, exclusively and necessarily to enable me to stay overnight away from my only or main home for the purpose of performing my duties as a Member of Parliament’

In 2005 each Sinn Fein MP claimed £18000 for this allowance
In 2006 each Sinn Fein MP claimed £18000 for this allowance
In 2007 each Sinn Fein MP claimed £18000 for this allowance
In 2008 each Sinn Fein MP claimed £18000 for this allowance and
In 2009 each Sinn Fein MP claimed £21000 for this allowance.

A total of £93000 per MP x 5 = £465000

In the period 2006 - date Sinn Fein MPs have claimed for the following flights
Pat Doherty 13
Gerry Adams 19
Conor Murphy 9
Martin McGuinness 27
Michelle Gildernew 8

A total of 76 flights. In that period they claimed £285000 - assuming one night stay in the apartment/house that would cost the British taxpayer £3653 per night. I would point out that in 2009/2010 Conor Murphy made no flights to London, and apart from Martin McGuinness the other Sinn Fein MP’s have averaged between 2 and 3 flights per year.

I have attempted to have these claims investigated by the Legg Review and by the Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards without success.

How can Sinn Fein justify these claims? Why have they not been investigated? MP’s who have submitted erroneous claims for second homes have had to repay overpayments, MPs who have ’flipped’ their homes have been subject to demands for repayment, MPs who were found to be overcharging the system when they were deemed to be living with relatives have felt the lash of public oppinion demanding repayments and even dismissal yet these ’famous five’ seem to get away ’Scot free’. Sinn Fein may have ceased these claims following the last public outcry over their expenses but I for one will not be satisfied until they are made repay this money which in my oppinion was immorally obtained from you and me the taxpayers of this country whether we consider ourselves to be British or Irish.