I have decided, to publish on my website each month the details of my Representational Allowance and other expenses paid to me by Cork City Council.
There is a public perception that expenses and allowances are some sort of tax free add-on to politician’s salaries. That is not true. There are very few people that enter Local Government with the intention of making money.
I have also decided to detail the amount I spend each month on being a councillor and the costs that go with it. Along with the number of meetings and functions I attend.
I feel by taking these steps, it will hopefully restore some people’s confidence in the political system and in politicians themselves. It will also serve to take the mystery out of what is paid in expenses and show that Local Government is not a gravy train.
Click on any of the months below for further details.
Great to see a politician taking extra steps to show financial transparency.
Ralph
http://www.domybooks.ie/Blog
By: Ralph Smith on February 2, 2010
at 2:00 pm
Thanks Ralph, I just feel that if politicians have nothing to hide we might as well volunteer the information and justify our cost to the country.
The page will be a work in progress for the next few day though!!
By: Cllr Laura McGonigle on February 2, 2010
at 2:02 pm
Well done Laura – love your openess and honesty. Elma
By: elma on February 2, 2010
at 5:11 pm
Well done again Laura. High time for all your fellow politicians, local and national to follow suit!
By: Johnny Downes on February 3, 2010
at 3:02 pm
Do your figures represent an adjustment to enable our country to regain competitiveness?
By: Pat Flynn on February 3, 2010
at 3:41 pm
Well done and thank you for making a difference!
By: JK on February 3, 2010
at 5:53 pm