MLAs join forces in shared office
TWO DUP Strangford MLAs have closed separate constituency offices which for three years have faced each other across a street in a small Co Down town.
Michelle McIlveen and Simon Hamilton raised eyebrows when despite being party colleagues they opened two publicly-funded offices just metres apart facing each other on Bridge Street Link in Comber three years ago.
But now they have joined together to open one office in the main square of the town. Neither MLA has given an explanation for the move.
With Mr Hamilton at number four and Miss McIlveen at number one, constituents were left having to make an embarrassing choice over which MLA they would prefer to see.
Since they were elected in 2007, the two DUP MLAs have spent at least 300,000 from their assembly expenses on rent, furniture, staff, electricity, computer equipment and telephones to keep the offices running.
Both will face the electorate next May as they attempt to get re- elected to serve the constituency.
In Newtownards, their party colleagues Jonathan Bell – co-opted into the assembly earlier this year to replace Iris Robinson – and new MP Jim Shannon also run separate offices a short distance apart.
However, this week Mr Hamilton refused to comment on why there had been two separate offices for three years.
In a joint statement with Miss McIlveen he said they were delighted to offer "an improved service from our new advice centre in The Square, Comber".
"Our new advice centre is centrally located, modern and accessible and will allow us to enhance the standard of assistance we offer," the statement said.
"We both pride ourselves on providing the people with a first rate constituency service and have already helped thousands with their problems.
"We are committed to building on our already high standard of service which will benefit all of those who come to us looking for help."
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Monday 13 February 2012
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