PMS - What can savers do now?
SAVERS in the troubled Presbyterian Mutual Society (PMS) have made a heartfelt appeal for more lobbying of key decision makers in current rescue talks.
Greenisland man Ian McGimpsey of the PMS Savers Lobby Group NI told the News Letter that now is the time "to continue to exert as much pressure as possible" on the Prime Minister and HM Treasury.
FEATURE: Year of misery for PMS savers
Mr McGimpsey, who has been interviewed about his lobbying on Radio Four's Moneybox programme, has already helped coordinate the writing of thousands of letters by PMS savers, along with fellow lobbyist Isobel Whyte, from Dromore, Co Down.
The 315m PMS suffered a run in October and is now in administration, with a Government working group currently attempting to persuade one of three banks to take it over. Meanwhile thousands of PMS savers are suffering hardship without access to their life savings and retirement funds.
Speaking to the News Letter, Mr McGimpsey asked readers to spread the lobbying word to as many people as possible.
"We must continue to keep pressure on HM Treasury; it is imperative that people who have deposited savings with the PMS write letters explaining their personal hardship and suffering as soon as possible," he said.
"Many people may have written letters recently, but if they have not I would ask them to do so now. I would also ask them to pass this appeal on to as many savers as you know by whatever means. It is imperative that we do so this at this time."
His same advice applies to members of church congregations which deposited funds in the PMS for building projects. "Remember you do not have to be a PMS saver to lobby on their behalf," he said.
"Please also remember our elderly who may need your help with writing letters, and encourage fellow Presbyterian and savers to assist them as much as they can," he says. "If you know non-Presbyterians who are supportive of the PMS savers please also seek their support."
Mr McGimpsey recommended that letters are addressed personally to the MP in question and not written in a mass-produced or stereotypical form.
"Furthermore if there is more than one saver per household it is recommended that each saver submits a separate letter outlining their personal hardship," he added.
* Anyone who wishes to be added to the mailing list of the PMS Savers Lobby Group NI can email isobelwhyte@tiscali.co.uk or contact Ian McGimpsey on 07805733559, who is happy to give lobbying advice.
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PMS: tell your stories of hardship to;-
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The Prime Minister The Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP
10 Downing Street, London SW1 2AA
Email: privateoffice@no10.x.gsi.gov.uk
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The Rt Hon Liam Byrne MP
Chief Secretary to HM Treasury
Chairman Of The PMS Ministerial Working Group
House of Commons, London SW1 OAA
Email: byrnel@parliament.uk
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The Rt Hon Ian Pearson MP
Economic Secretary HM Treasury
PMS Ministerial Working Group
House of Commons, London SW1 OAA
Email: pearsoni@parliament.uk
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The Rt Hon John McFall MP
Chairman Of Treasury Select Committee
House of Commons, London SW1 0AA
Email: mcfallj@parliament.uk
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