During the lengthy wait between my first questions to Sinn Féin about the average wage and their reply, I wrote to SIPO.
I asked the Standards Commission to look into inconsistencies between Sinn Féin statements and reporting requirements.
“If a TD decides to spend part or all of his/her salary on the provision of constituency offices or employing staff for whatever reason, it is not a matter for the Standards Commission,” SIPO replied. “However, if a TD gives/donates… to a political party … the recipient is obliged to disclose that donation.”
So if a TD employs someone, it’s legal, but if the party employs the same worker, it has to be declared.
That seems clear enough.
Except Martin McGuinness said recently of his salary “I don’t see it. It goes straight into a Sinn Fein account.”
Given uniform statements from Sinn Féin members, it’s probable all TD salaries go “straight into a Sinn Féin account.”
And given how quickly SIPO replied to my letter, I doubt they contacted any TD to ask how many constituency workers they personally employed.
I’m still mulling my response to SIPO, but on the facts to date, it strikes me as irrational, unreasonable and perverse.
SIPO on Sinn Féin statements regarding average wage and donations
7 comments
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Gerard Cunningham (@faduda) (@faduda)
October 14, 2011 at 3:00 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
New blog: Irrational, unreasonable, and perverse http://t.co/PBlNF9dp
Ciarán Mc Mahon (@CJAMcMahon)
October 14, 2011 at 3:06 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
You have to hand it to them, they’ve found a loophole.
Gerard Cunningham
October 14, 2011 at 3:13 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
I’m not finished yet.
steve white
October 14, 2011 at 3:24 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
does it depend who rents the office if there any other then the tds name on it, if he spends money on it. or as you say partly pays a person along with an constituency organisation.
steve white (@lostexpectation) (@lostexpectation)
October 14, 2011 at 3:27 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Irrational, unreasonable and perverse – @faduda http://t.co/rdnkZ1KY < sinn fein laundering their wages for the greater good?
Gerard Cunningham
October 14, 2011 at 3:45 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
I think you’re over-complicating the question Steve. Who’s name appears above a door isn’t the point. It’s simple: Where does the money go? That’s all I’m asking.
Simon McGarr (@Tupp_Ed) (@Tupp_Ed) (@Tupp_Ed)
October 14, 2011 at 11:33 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Irrational, unreasonable and perverse – http://t.co/XTq3xWvo >> A story involving more than €1m and/or SF elected members’ credibility.