Election candidate signs expenses pledge

A FINE Gael local election candidate has signed a pledge limiting the expenses he would receive if elected to Dublin City Council next May,

Noel Rock, who’ll be running in the Ballymun ward, has vowed not to accept any money for expenses if he’s successful in the local elections.

“It is my priority to change politics for the better,

? he told Northside People.

“It’s vital the people can have faith and confidence in the political process and in government at all levels – local and national. It’s easy to talk the talk but the time has come for me to put my money where my mouth is and make some very clear and very public pledges to my electorate in Drumcondra, Glasnevin, Whitehall and Ballymun.

“It is with that in mind that I have made a conscious decision to sign a pledge to my electorate.

?

Mr Rock’s pledge, which was signed and witnessed in Northside People offices last week, details how he will handle any expenses that councillors are entitled to claim if he’s elected.

The pledge states:

?¢ I will not accept any expenses payment from Dublin City Council – this totals at least e1,797 per quarter, or e7,188 per annum, or e35,500 per term tax free – the equivalent of almost e60,000 taxable income. I will not accept these payments.

?¢ Each year, I will publish a full breakdown of any and all remuneration I have received from Dublin City Council – this will be itemised and available to all my constituents.

?¢ If elected, I will move a motion at the earliest possible opportunity in Dublin City Council seeking reform of expenses paid to public representatives, to ensure that all such expenses are vouched and essential.

“By undertaking these pledges, I hope to herald a new type of politics,

? Mr Rock said.

“It is an privilege to serve one’s community and this must never be forgotten.

“To prove this is not a gimmick I am signing this pledge in the offices of the Northside People – they will then have a copy of this and will be able to monitor the matter if I am elected.

“In the current climate, in a show of solidarity with hard-working people and in the interest of increasing transparency, openness and accountability in politics I feel this is both the responsible and appropriate step to take.

“I want the public to have faith and confidence in our politicians. This is why I hope other local election candidates will join me and make the Noel Rock Expenses Pledge. I am determined to reform the expenses regime in politics and for my part I will start with the council if elected in May 2014.

?

?¢ Northside People news editor, Jack Gleeson, witnesses Noel Rock signing his election pledge. PHOTO BY JOE ANDREWS.