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SENIOR REPRESENTATIVES COULD POCKET UP TO £20,000 IN PRE-ELECTION DEAL BY Tom Kelly Mayo's longest serving public representatives are being offered a golden handshake to quit the political scene. They could pocket as much £20,000 by deciding not to contest next year's local elections. The 'retirement package' is being thrashed out by Environment Minister, Mr. Noel Dempsey, T.D., with executives committee members of the Municipal Authorities of Ireland. The finer details of the scheme have yet to be agreed, but it is proposed that those agreeing to the deal could receive up to £500 for every year of service. The Municipal Authorities of Ireland had been looking for a higher figure, with one fortieth of a Senator's annual salary of £28,000 being put forward. That would have given politicians a lump sum in the region of £700 multiplied by their years of services. It is understood the Department of Environment ruled out that amount as being too high. In the context of Mayo, a number of local councillors could benefit quite nicely for the plan. . .provided they make up their minds by September not to stand for re-election in the 1999 Local Elections. The biggest beneficiary would be Louisburgh -based Fianna Fail councillor, Mr. Martin Joe O'Toole. The former Dail Deputy and Senator has served 43 years on Mayo County Council. He faces the prospect of receiving up to £21,500 by retiring from the authority. His Fianna Fail colleague, Mr. Jackie Heneghan, has clocked up over 30 years of service. The Ballinrobe councillor stands to benefit by up to £15,000 by quitting active politics. The most senior Fine Gael councillor holding office is Mr. Sean McEvoy. The former Foxford school teacher has almost 25 years service to his credit, and could walk away with a cheque for £12,500. Next in line of seniority in the chamber are Fine Gael trio, Mr. Martin John Flannery, Senator Paddy Burke and Mr. John Noel Carey, each of whom are members for 20 years. They have the option of resigning and taking advantage of a pay-off which could be as much as £10,000. The Department of the Environment is also planning to pay a gratuity to the estates of county council members who died since their election in 1991. In the case of Mayo County Council, the families of the late Mr. Michael Raftery, the late Mr. Frank Devaney and the late Mr. Padraig Bourke will receive a gratuity. It is understood that members of Mayo's three Urban Council will also have the opportunity of availing of the scheme, but the degree of compensation may not be as high. Meanwhile, Environment Minister Mr. Dempsey T.D. has announced the question of prohibiting dual mandating will be dealt with in a proposed new Local Government Bill which could be in place before next year's local elections.
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