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MPs do not deserve proposed salary increases

During two recent SAfm phone-in programmes about dissatisfaction with the proposed salary increases for ordinary MPs, Mike Ellis of the DA and Sybil Seaton of the IFP, did not exactly endear themselves to the listeners.

During two recent SAfm phone-in programmes about dissatisfaction with the proposed salary increases for ordinary MPs, Mike Ellis of the DA and Sybil Seaton of the IFP, did not exactly endear themselves to the listeners.

They evaded questions concerning their salaries. At one time, Seaton told Jeremy Maggs that it was R57000 a month and another time she seemed to mumble that it was R39000.

Ellis agreed with her, but said he was uncomfortable talking about his salary. His contribution was to repeat that voters were ignorant about how hard MPs worked.

Both hinted at a revolt by all MPs if they did not receive the proposed 5,4percent increase.

An increase which will take ordinary MPs salaries up to more than what Seaton describes as a 'deplorable' R643000 a year plus perks.

It does not appear to dawn on members of parliament that they are not respected by the voters since 'Travelgate' and floor crossing. Voters will find an increase to be reprehensible and far too much. They are absolutely disgusted that these 'unqualified' people are clamouring for even more.

But taxpayers will welcome increases for nurses, teachers and police.

Finally, after hearing the whining of Ellis and Seaton, I now know that the DA and IFP are two political parties that I will evade.

Frank Hartry, Kingsburgh

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