Pringle will not return Leader’s Allowance until government spending is reformed

Independent Deputy Thomas Pringle says he will not be returning his Leaders’ Allowance of just over €41,000.
Deputy Pringle says he has always maintained payments to politicians are extremely high in Ireland and should be reformed. He says as chairperson of the Members Interests Committee in the Dail he is entitled to an increase in salary of €9500 that I have refused because I believe that TDs are well enough paid as it is.
He says he will not give Leaders’ Allowance back to the government, so that they can give it to Anglo or more bank bail outs, while they close hospital beds and home help hours.
He says the money would be safer kept in his own capable hands until he sees a competent re-structuring of government expenditure.