It’s not about the money says ex-MEP
“At the end of the day, the last thing I’m in politics for is money.”
That was the candid response of Independent election candidate and former MEP, Marian Harkin, when asked about recent discussions surrounding her pension entitlements.
Harkin addressed the matter of her pension entitlements recently after canvassers were met with queries on the doorsteps.
Harkin told The Sligo Champion, talk surrounding her pension entitlements have been ongoing since 2009.
“National papers have spoken about other MEPS who gave them [pensions] up and for whatever reason they never mentioned me. Maybe it was because I wasn’t a minister or something.”
The Ballintogher native said she decided to address the matter after it was brought to her attention by canvassers.
“I think it’s done to paint a certain picture of me, I’m not a saint. I remember when the pension levy came in in 2009, I just couldn’t...I gave it back. I gave it to carers then and disability groups in 15 counties, mainly carers,” the former MEP and teacher explained.
Outlining her plans for the future regarding pensions if elected, Harkin said a commitment she will make is if she is elected to the 33rd Dáil she will give back ‘any payments that I get from the Irish parliament’.
And, for transparency she said she would update her website so people are aware of this.
“I’m not doing it now because pensions is the story, I’ve done it since 2009.
“I was the first MEP and not all of them did it, and some of them did it partially.”
The former teacher said she was annoyed other parties ‘put out this story’.
“I’m no angel, but I did it. It’s to paint me as someone who is grasping and who wants more.
As an Independent I pay for all my election costs and I do not fund raise, I don’t ask anyone for money to run,” she added.
Addressing her decision to stay as an independent candidate despite Fine Gael talks, Harkin said she believed in what she was doing.
“I’ve always been an independent. I think I can be more effective the way I am.”