Former MLAs collect nearly £500k

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Almost half a million pounds has been paid to former MLAs who were not re-elected to the Assembly.

The SDLP's Marietta Farrell was one of those receiving payment although she had only been an Assembly member for two months.

All 28 former MLAs got the same amount - £15,908, which represents half a member's salary.

The list includes former UUP leader David Trimble, fallen DUP star Paul Berry, Diane Dodds and Bob McCartney.

The total is at present £445,424, but this will rise substantially when the former MLAs get a 'winding up allowance' at the end of the summer, which is available to cover costs including obligations to staff and office rent.