The last edition of spotlight has cast up some unsettling questions as to the exact amounts some of our MLA's and Ministers spend on expense and on rent, rates and other utilities and who the beneficiaries are of the expenses are. We also saw that one MLA was allegedly claiming disability on top of what he already receives as his salary. More disconcerting than anything was that prior to the St Andrews Agreement, whenever then Secretary of State Peter Hain threatened to withdraw MLA funding and effectively shut Stormont down, they annual salary increased from that of £48,000 to a staggering £68,000. That is an increase of £20,000 which is for some an annual income or slightly below. After a 10 year investigation into this unprecedented scandal, it shows the level of respect some MLA's have for constituents and those who are struggling the most within our society.

We the undersigned demand the following;

1.Carry out a full investigation into all MLA and Ministers expenses for a period of no less than 10 years.

2. Establish if all claims fall within Assembly rules related to expense claims and they are following the THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC LIFE as in Annex A, Page 58, of the FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR MEMBERS HANDBOOK.

3. Any expense claims that fall short of Assembly rules related to expense claims are paid back, in full.

4. Any MLA or Minister found to be in breach of Assembly rules related to expense claims should provide a frank and public apology.

5. Any such claims that may fall within the laws of Fraud or Theft should be handed to the Police for further investigation and then charged and prosecuted accordingly if required.