Waterford Minister of State John Halligan has joined Sinn Fein TD David Cullinane in not accepting a four percent pay increase being paid to politicans since yesterday.
Speaking today Deputy Cullinane said:
"It is impossible to justify the pay increases awarded to TD's in recent times. On the 1st April last year TD's got a pay increase of 4%. I refused to accept it. Today a further 4% is due and this at a time when the state is in the midst of crises in health and housing.
"I receive a salary of €88,000 a year. This puts me in the top 10% of income earners. Out of my salary I employ a staff member on a part time basis. I am well paid and do not need a substantial pay increase.
"An average public sector worker on €35,000 a year will receive an increase of just 1% while TD's get 8% over 9 months. This is grossly unfair. I will not be accepting this pay increase either and I am calling on all Waterford TD's to do likewise. We need to show leadership at a time when so many people we represent are struggling."