Sligo North Leitrim Deputy, John Perry who, came second in a table published for claiming most expenses in 2009 in the Dail says he's only taking home €30,000 a year.

"My net income after salary, allowances and all expenses are accounted for is €30,000 per year. I am a middle income earner," Deputy Perry said in an exclusive interview with The Sligo Champion.

He said that a recent national Sunday newspaper carried an analysis of Oireachtas member expenses and in his case, presented "a simplistic presentation of the total expenses paid in a particular twelve month calendar period gave a very misleading picture."

"I wish to take this opportunity to explain to the people of Sligo North Leitrim that my Dail salary, allowances and expenses are fully and clearly in accordance with standard arrangements as applied to each and every TD in Dail Eireann.

"In my particular case, the expenses figure for 2009 included an amount of 20,363.20 euro for the years 2007 and 2008. When this amount is excluded from the total, then my expenses of 71,825 euro for 2009 puts me into a lower ranking of Oireachtas members.

"For clarity and transparency, these are the details of my actual salary, allowances and expenses. This shows where the money comes from and where it actually went.

"As a public representative I am well aware that every citizen must tighten their belt. In recent months TDs expenses have been cut, mileage rates reduced. There has been a very real reduction in TDs salary and allowances.

"Any serious debate about Oireachtas allowances and expenses should consider the fact that politicians work long hours. In my particular case it is widely acknowledged that I work harder than any other TD on behalf of my constituents.

"I work seven days a week, up to 80 to 90 hours per week. My phone is never off the hook. I make myself available to meet with every constituent. I travel the constituency constantly. I attend as many community events, and meetings and clinics as possible. In addition I have, for many years, delegated my business interests to a business manager, so I can devote 100% of my time to my role of public representative.

"Expenses are used defray the costs to of constituency work. As can be clearly seen from the data supplied, the level of support I receive towards the substantial costs involved in administering constituency duties, offices and services effectively does not cover the full cost of doing the job properly.

"These are the simple facts of the situation. As a straight talking politician, I accept that the people of Sligo North Leitrim are entitled to accountability and transparency on the salaries and expenses paid to politicians. Equally people must accept that the facts of the situation speak for themselves.

"There is no mystique about my expenses. There is no hidden profit margin. In my case, Dail expenses do not fully cover the costs of all my constituency work. There was no gravy train in the past and there is no gravy train now.

"I would like to thank the people of Sligo North Leitrim for your past support. I very much hope that with this full and transparent account of my Dail allowances and expenses, you will continue with your support for the future," said Deputy Perry.

- PAUL DEERING