FAR be it from this column to disagree with the torrents of wisdom which flow from the political parties at Stormont.

However, it is hard to take seriously their professed shock and horror at their latest proposed salary increase.

“Grotesque,” said Sinn Féin. We had “no input”, pleaded the DUP. “Out of touch with where the public are,” shouted Alliance.

I think Jon Burrows of the UUP also said something, but he says so much I can’t remember what it was.

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The recommendation to increase MLAs’ salaries to almost £70,000 next year came from the grandly-titled Independent Remuneration Board.

It gave MLAs a £14,000 increase in April, and now it proposes an additional £2,000.

The Board was irresponsible in making its announcement in the run-up to an election.

Had it waited until after polling, the parties might not have experienced the same degree of emotional distress at the thought of receiving more money.

They did not point out that the Remuneration Board’s terms of reference make these latest increases likely and maybe even inevitable.

The legislation passed by MLAs states that........

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