DUP refuses expenses clarity

The DUP has refused to clarify how much it paid back in expenses

The DUP has refused to say how much its MPs paid back in parliamentary expenses following an independent audit.

Seven DUP MPs out of nine made repayments but the party said it would not make clear which individuals had done so or how much they paid in total.

All MPs had until this afternoon to appeal the findings of independent auditor, Sir Thomas Legge, but no Northern Ireland MPs did so.

Eleven out of a total of 18 local MPs made some repayment.

The MP who was originally asked to pay the highest amount back was South Down MP Eddie McGrady .

He was told to return £6,112 relating to hotel bills. He challenged that figure and has been asked to repay just over £3,000.

SDLP MP Mark Durkan was originally asked to pay £236. This was a mistake by the House of Commons authorities and no repayment was necessary.

Martin McGuinness of Sinn Fein was asked to pay back £3,000. However this turned out to be an error relating to a rent overpayment.

North Down MP Lady Sylvia Hermon was originally asked for one month's rent of £1,365. This was an error by Sir Thomas Legge and no repayment was needed.

Seven of the nine DUP MPs were originally asked to make repayments totalling £14,000 for items including furniture, food and accommodation.

A DUP spokesperson said some of those requests had been revised downwards but refused to clarify how much was paid back.

"We are determined to work to restore the confidence of the whole community in the sovereign parliament at Westminster and will play a full and active role in doing so," the spokesperson added.