It also recommended “significant financial sanctions” if an Executive is not formed following an election, or if at any time the offices of first minister and deputy first minister become vacant following recent political turbulence. The proposals are currently out to public consultation. MLA salaries are lower than those received by Members of the Scottish Parliament (£74,507), Assembly Members at the Welsh Assembly (£76,380), MPs (£93,904) and Members of the Irish Parliament (117,113 euros/£102,369). Asked by media at Parliament Buildings on Friday about the proposals, Ms O’Neill said she acknowledges there is a cost-of-living crisis. “It was an independent pay body that assessed similar remuneration situations elsewhere across the UK and Ireland.

Source: The Herald February 20, 2026 16:34 UTC