A Newry-based independent councillor has said he plans to donate his expenses from the new Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
Kevin McAteer says he will make a donation after each three month period by saving up his monthly payments.
The councillor was making the move after he said MPs and MLAs from the South Down and Newry and Armagh constituencies took in £1.2 million in expenses over a 15 month period.
Councillor McAteer said: “This is something I thought about for a long time. I plan to donate my expenses to a charity of my choice in an effort to help others. Politics for me has never been about money – it’s about helping others.”
Councillor McAteer has said he will allow his expenses to build up over three months and then donate that amount every three months to a different charity in the hope that it will help someone in need.
“I know I will probably come under criticism from the political parties but I know this money – no matter how little it may be – will help a lot of people and that’s what is important.”
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