MLA makes two workers redundant

Version 0 of 1.

Lagan Valley Ulster Unionist MLA Basil McCrea has made two of his workers redundant because of the cost of running his two offices.

One of the workers, Carol Black, won the high profile Dromore by-election for the party in February.

Mr McCrea, who gets an allowance of over Â£70,000 a year along with other MLAs, said despite the redundancies both offices will remain open.

He added that the decision followed consultation with everyone concerned.

"I'm not embarrassed in any shape or form - we always knew collectively that opening two offices is a difficult thing to carry off," said Mr McCrea.

"We're really intent on winning a second MLA seat the next time round and we have to invest for the future."