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Wad a joke!
Meet the Robinsons... married MPs laughing all the way to the bank. They have SIX salaries, employ FOUR relatives and rake in nearly £600k a year including expenses and it's YOU who pays
MARRIED backbench MPs the Robinsons are laughing all the way to the bank - by making a family fortune from politics.
Peter Robinson, 60, and wife Iris, 59, are pocketing £571,939.41 a YEAR in salaries and expenses.
See our hilarious gravy train video, Millionaire MP
And their relatives are cashing in too. The couple pay four family members up to £150,000 in salaries out of their allowances.
Neither has broken any rules but the scale of their earnings will anger voters as the controversy over greedy MPs' expenses and allowances rumbles on.
The News of the World can reveal that the couple are the best-paid backbench MPs in politics. Between them they have SIX salaries,
They rake in almost twice as much as other married politicians because they have seats at both Westminster and the Northern Ireland Assembly. Mr Robinson is the province's First Minister.
Despite living in the same posh east Belfast house valued at £490,000, last year they BOTH claimed the controversial second homes allowance, receiving a total of £40,342.
The average claimed by MPs not married to another MP was £17,960.
We can reveal how the Robinsons:
BILL the taxpayer with expenses of £325,921 from Westminster and the Northern Ireland Assembly.
DRAW salaries of £246,017 a year between them.
OWN three homes in Belfast, London and Florida worth more than £1.3million.
Costs
Peter is MP for East Belfast and his wife MP for Strangford - for which they are each paid £63,291 a year.
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In addition the couple earn £109,884 from the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Mr Robinson, who is leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, is paid £71,434 for his role as First Minister plus a third of the £43,101 salary for being an Assembly member because he is also an MP.
Wife Iris pockets a total of £24,296 as an Assembly member and as chairwoman of its health and social services committee, official figures reveal.
She also has another job as councillor for the Castlereagh borough in Northern Ireland where she earns £9,550.
Staffing costs account for the bulk of the couple's expense claims.
This includes employing family members-for which they appear to fork out more than £150,000.
Mr Robinson employs their daughter Rebekah as office manager and private secretary and son Gareth as parliamentary assistant.
His wife employs other son Jonathan as office manager and daughter-in-law Ellen Robinson as part-time secretary.
The pay scale given for Rebekah's job is between £21,320 and £40,052. Gareth, who is also a councillor for Castlereagh, is on a pay scale of £27,780 to £40,052.
Jonathan earns between £27,780 and £40,052 and Ellen is on £36,000 a year.
Last night Matthew Elliott, Chief Executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, stormed: "The Robinsons are receiving a staggering amount of taxpayers' money, and this certainly puts paid to the myth that no one gets rich in politics."
The Robinsons' mega earnings-based on last year's figures-have left them with enough spare cash to splash out on their three plush houses. Around five years ago they paid £450,000 for a luxury apartment in east London near the Thames which overlooks a park and boasts great views of the capital.
Former estate agent Peter also purchased a holiday home in sun-drenched Orlando, Florida.
It is located in the exclusive Warwick at Vista Lakes community and was bought for £410,000 last summer.
The Robinsons spent almost £20,000 on flying between Belfast and London.
Iris clocked up a further £1,820 in mileage claims between 2007-08. Her husband has a personal driver.
Mr Robinson even cashed in during the property boom by selling off part of his back garden in Belfast for an undisclosed amount. He said in 2007: "I'm one of thousands of people who have sold land over the last few years and I don't see anything remarkable about it."
Our source close to the Robinsons told the News of the World: "With Iris and Peter, it's more a case of what recession?
"Their taste for expensive furnishings and decoration betrays the magnificent opulence the couple enjoy in stark contrast to the poverty of many of their constituents.
"Their east Belfast home displays the trappings associated with a successful entrepreneur or businessman rather than the more modest tastes of Ulster's other MPs.
Sculptures
"Almost every room displays a chandelier and walls, even in bathrooms, display expensive frescos.
"No expense has been spared as the house displays exquisite interiors in every room. Sculptures and ornaments adorn every room and hallway.
"It's the very best of the best only for the Robinsons' primary domain. They have separate studies. Peter's is oak-lined and is dominated by a flatscreen TV on which he watches Chelsea when he has the time.
"Hand-printed wallpaper displays a Latin quotation that translates to 'one does not value things easily obtained'."
Fashionable Iris used to drive an MG sports car in London. At one time she had three Minis but is now more often seen driving an open top Audi.
In 2007, son Gareth caused her major embarrassment after he was snapped kissing a man and sitting on the partygoer's knee at a Belfast bash.
This came shortly after controversial MP Iris branded homosexuality an abomination.
She was cleared last month over the verbal assault in a radio interview just a day after Peter took the job as First Minister in June last year.
She had told BBC Radio Ulster that homosexuals were "disgusting, loathsome, nauseating, wicked and vile". The only married MP couple who earn more than the Robinsons are Ed Balls and Yvette Cooper. However, they are both Cabinet Ministers, each paid £141,866 - and they claim less (£308,185) in expenses. Their total income works out as £591,917.
A spokesman for the Robinsons said: "All expenses claimed are used to run a full network of advice offices in both constituencies.
"The DUP provides a first class service that is available to all constituents and all allowances are used to run offices, employ staff and fulfil the commitment to serving the many and varied needs of the public.
"These constituency offices, situated in the main centres of population, have handled more cases in the 07/08 year than ever before.
"Expenses incurred in running offices for Mr Robinson in East Belfast and Mrs Robinson in Strangford are lower than most other Northern Ireland Members of Parliament.
"The individual salary paid to each of them is no different than for any other Parliamentarians.
"How they choose to spend their salaries is entirely a matter for them."
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This article has 31 comments
What I wanna know is why they need to claim all this stuff when they're on 45 grand+ a year.
Is it because they're on supertax and have to employ staff out of their wages too?
By Anon. Posted May 31 2009 at 10:16 PM.
Why you all getting stressed? Do you really think all these blood suckers enter politics as a public service ?? Don't be naive .. simple answer folks .. don't vote them back in .. in fact .. don't vote at all .. as a sort of "national protest non vote" about voting .. Now that will make em panic ..
By Ralph Thomas. Posted May 10 2009 at 3:52 AM.
ITS A DISGRACE DROP THE EXPENSES AND SEE HOW MANY WANT THE JOB THEN.I CARE FOR AN OLD MAN OF 89 WHOS SEVERLY DISABLED, I GET CARERS ALLOWANCE OF £53 A WEEK, MY PARTNER LOST HIS JOB LAST YEAR SO IS ON JSA AND CLAIMS FOR ME, MY CARERS ALLOWANCE IS TAKEN STRAIGHT OFF ME IN EFFECT. I AM NOT DOING IT FOR THE MONEY BUT I HAVE HEALTHPROBLEMS MYSELF. WE WERE LEFT FOR 6WKS WITHOUT MONEY LAST YEAR BECAUSE MY PARTNER GOT 3WEEKS WORK AND WAS NOT PAID NOBODY WANTED TO KNOW. WE HAD LITTLE TO EAT IN THOSE WEEKS ITS A DISGRACE. I PUT IN FOR A NEW BED AT THE START OF THE YEAR ASKED FOR £180 AND WAS GIVEN £150, BET THEY DONT SLEEP ON £150 BEDS MORE LIKE 2K FOR THEIRS. THEY ALSO WOULDNT HELP ME REPAIR MY CAR TO TRANSPORT THIS OLD MAN ABOUT YET THEY ALL HAV SEVERAL CARS AND HOMES.CARERS UK SAVE THE GOVT £89 BILLION A YEAR.THATS HOW THEY GET ALL THEY GET AND WE ALL PAY MORE FOR LESS. WE SHOULD START A MASS DEMONSTRATION, AT LEAST THEN LOCKED UP INSIDE WE WOULD GET BACK SOME OF THE MONEY WE PUT IN THE POT. REMEMBER I AM ONLY 1 CARER IMAGINE HOW MANY OUT THERE ARE IN SIMILAR SITUATIONS. TAKE THE GRACE AND FAVOURS AWAY NOW. INCIDENTLY THEY SHOULD PERHAPS THINK OF GIVING UNEMPLOYED PEOPLE VOUCHERS TO HELP PAY FOR FOOD AS THE GOVT IS HELPING TO BREED AN OVERWEIGHT NATION VOUCHERS COULD BE EXCHANGED FOR FRESH MEAT INSTEAD OF PROCCESSED FOOD THEY OPT FOR BECAUSE ITS CHEAPER BUT UNHEALTHY.
By GILLIAN STIMPSON. Posted May 9 2009 at 1:53 AM.
What do you expect from a self regulatory system! Politics was once a matter of profound ideology, now it's nothing more than a self interest group feathering their own nest and it's all above board. No wonder poeple are becoming dissodent as the crimes are created by the top and the top must be one hellishly corrupt place.
By Mark Duffy. Posted April 21 2009 at 7:16 PM.
everything has two sides,every couple have their own lifestyle,but you must have your own ,you should study ,which can help you grow up ,especially in your career.
By charles. Posted April 10 2009 at 3:55 PM.
What really sickens me about freeloading scum like the Robinsons is that they stand up in church and look down at all those who are not so called Christians like them! Well the mask is off for vermin like them.
By David Robertson. Posted April 6 2009 at 3:02 PM.
It's our fault. Vote the same way three times in a row and the incumbent ALWAYS treats the pork as a right.
Hey vote Labour again for more sleaze! You know it makes sense...doesn't it?
By Ethan. Posted April 5 2009 at 10:04 PM.
This infestation of freeloading MP parasites is out of control. Unfortunately nothing can be done because they make the rules to suit themselves. And to add insult to injury they have the cheek to criticise benefit cheats, fatcat bankers and other assorted scroungers and freeloaders.
Kettle calling the pot black. Can anyone rescue us from these leeches...
By Steve B. Posted April 5 2009 at 8:53 PM.
BT REMEMBER THE TV ADVERTS DIRECTED AT PEOPLE STRUGGLING ON BENEFITS - `WE ARE WATCHING YOU` - NO THEY`RE NOT, THEY DON`T HAVE TIME TO WATCH ANYBODY FOR RUNNING ROUND ANTIQUE SHOPS FOR FIREPLACES AND B&Q FOR SINK PLUGS - THAT WE PAY FOR - AND FILLING IN FORMS WITH FALSE INFORMATION.
I THINK IT`S HIGH TIME SOMEBODY STARTED WATCHING THEM...
By Lana. Posted April 5 2009 at 7:35 PM.
`HA HA HA PETER, WHAT ARE WE LIKE....!!`
`I KNOW IRIS BUT DON`T DRINK ANY MORE CHAMPERS JUST YET- WE`VE CHEQUES TO WRITE FOR THE FAMILY..`
By Lana. Posted April 5 2009 at 7:47 PM.
THEY ARE ADDICTED TO ALL THIS MONEY
BUSINESS, WHAT MAKES US THINK WE CAN
GET IT STOPPED. DON'T VOTE THEM IN
AGAIN WHEN ELECTIONS COME UP.
AND WE TRUSTED THEM ?
By MARY EARLY. Posted April 5 2009 at 7:43 PM.
Just where does this salary/expenses fiasco stop, unfortunately all MPs are now tarred with the same brush, "as we take all we can get", people like the Robinsons should be taxed at a very much higher tax rate, somewhere about 75%, but Mr Brown wouldn't even think about it, why should they get away without paying taxes at the same rate as the workers, I've retired, my income is just above £10K, and I still pay tax, these people claim expenses, tax free from our taxes, even though they earn over £500k a year, it happens nothing has been done wrong, WHY, because the MPs make their own rules, and this Government will do nothing about it, except make more rules to hit the ordinary people with more taxation, as with last week, a hike in motor fuel taxes, that they claim back, the quicker this Labour Government go the better, also, how long did it take Mr Brown the idea to send more troops to Afganastan, after meeting President Obama, did any other leader from the European treaty do the same?, further into taxation, our PM, although we have heavy borrowing to keep us afloat, he is quite happy to give £100 million here, £65 million there, ect, ect, but I have found, if I borrow, I cannot afford to give it away, roll on the next General Election, let get shot of this New Labour Government FAST.
By Keith Drury. Posted April 5 2009 at 3:13 PM.
Enough is enough. A room for an office should be provided in every local authority for the use of all party MP's and staffed by party members of the elected MP's. This would stop the need for the tax payer funding expenses for MP's family members on the pay roll. Parliament should convert part of the Royal Bank Of Scotland buildings in London to a
hostel so that any MP that can't make it home after parliamentary work can be "put up for the night". It solves a lot of the problems!
By m.kirwan. Posted April 5 2009 at 2:58 PM.
In the Irish Republic politicians can serve on the local authority or in the national parliament but not both. We need a similar law in the UK, especially here in Northern Ireland, to stop people like the Robinsons collecting multiple salaries and expenses.
By Ed dantes. Posted April 5 2009 at 2:00 PM.
I dont think it should be ok to employ family to fill jobs which could be fairly offered to normal people. There should not be the favouratism and in-family business of recruiting thier own then allowed to cast doubt on their morality of such high claims for allowances. In short their behaviour smells to me.
By gail. Posted April 5 2009 at 12:47 PM.
How can they really be doing all these jobs fully as there are only 24 hours in a day. Also they should outlaw family members being employed at extortionate salaries. They may not be breaking any rules but if so the rules are wrong and now is the time to change them. Expenses should include a train fare to London or wherever and a taxi to the houses of parliament. They should not be allowed to pick up several salaries as they must only be doinf part time so they should recieve part time wages. Regarding employing staff that should be advertised to anyone and managed by someone at The houses of parliament for wages that we all have to live on. How many of these staff put in a full weeks work. They are all on the gravy train and it should now pull in at the terminus full stop. We are being bled dry. It just shows how much they care about their constituents.
By Anon. Posted April 5 2009 at 11:27 AM.
If the court of public opinion will find Fred Goodwin guilty, then this lot had better watch out.
By Steve London. Posted April 5 2009 at 11:38 AM.
A stronger case could never be made for getting rid of the Northern Irish government. Its not supprising that people would seek such benefit to rule a population smaller that Yorkshire. Its demonstrates greed to taken to the next level
By Ryan O'Boyle. Posted April 5 2009 at 11:20 AM.
It just goes to show you cannot be too careful
By Bob. Posted April 5 2009 at 11:01 AM.
It is regrettable that such amoral people were elected - but the gravy train is due to hit the buffers in June 2010 and it is up to the electorate to speak with one voice and rid parliament of such leeches once and for all.
By R.F.. Posted April 5 2009 at 11:07 AM.
But they are only in the job because they care so much about the people of Northern Ireland. Did you not know?
By jannie. Posted April 5 2009 at 10:09 AM.
Greed beyond belief. No matter how we complain , no matter how many times the papers expose these greedy low lives , nothing will be done about it.
By lee. Posted April 5 2009 at 10:16 AM.
these people are far worse than anyone on benefits who is caught cheating. They have the money and yet they are just so greedy and seazy that they really make you sick. The benefit cheats on the other hand, cheat because usually they have nothing. Having said this I do not condone benefit cheats but they are the ones who are prosecuted while the people who have all these expenses get away with it, and worst of all they justify it.
By shirley. Posted April 5 2009 at 9:44 AM.
Here in Belfast they are known as the Swiss Family Bank Robinson.
By mickey. Posted April 5 2009 at 9:31 AM.
we can shout and scream all we want but do you really think MPs would give up there expenses? no way!! i want a job where you can more than double your salary with expenses and how is it when they all begin there terms in power they are not how can i say rich but when they leave office they are all rich?they all make me puke!
By alan. Posted April 5 2009 at 8:53 AM.
Well what can you say???screach+yell will make no changes,the rules have too change and stop this greed once and for all.I did 23 yrs in the army and fought for these buggers and guess What my pension is 133 pounds a month for my troubles.They should be ashamed but they wont,because they just do not care except for themselves.
Geordie.
By thomas carr. Posted April 5 2009 at 8:06 AM.
MP's should live on an average wage after all they are supposed to represent us and not their wallet. MP's should have performance releated bonuses. If the cost of public service falls and the service provided is high they get a bonus. MP's should live on office in their constiuncey and live in low cost homes when in London. MP's should not be allowed to have 1st class travel they should pay for that themselves, 2nd class will suffice. MP's should not be above the law.
By Steve Tea. Posted April 5 2009 at 8:01 AM.
The very first thing that should be done by Brown to TRY and put things right is to outlaw the hiring of family members to be able to work for ministers..give the unemployed a chance! Its an absolute disgrace that these people who are supposedly working for "us" are taking the "p***". As for this second home..well that also should be abolished..Just think of the money we would save..we could even give more to hospitals! But oh no..that would be "the right thing to do" something that these people are not willing to do. They are all con merchants and are taking us all for a ride..It has to stop!
By Beverley. Posted April 5 2009 at 6:55 AM.
All this taking the electorate for idiots will only be slowed down, it will never stop because they are all instinctively in politics for what they personally can get out, not what they can put in.
Mass desertions of the main political parties will be the only message they understand, particularly if a new party guaranteed retrospective legislation to claw back the ill gotten gains of today's MP's.
This is quite simply fraudulent conduct against the electorate.
By Ken.H. Posted April 5 2009 at 3:22 AM.
I only hope that voters remember those MPs who have 'fiddled' their expenses, come the election...
By geedale. Posted April 5 2009 at 2:06 AM.
If a person on benefits conducted themselves in the same manner they would be prosecuted, found guilty and jailed. Hoon, Smith and MacNulty make the couple on the yacht look like saints.
By roger macnamara. Posted April 5 2009 at 1:43 AM.