Cameron on pay rise for MPs- political opportunism?

Does anyone recall Nick Bourne's remarks back in March this year with regards to the decision by a number of Plaid AMs to reject the 8.3% pay rise that was suggested by an Independent review? I'm sure you do, but I'll remind you- Bourne said that it was the 'worst kind of political opportunism'. Well, fast forward a few months, and the same debate is taking place on a Westminster level following an Independent report on MPs salaries. However, Tory hypocrisy is clear yet again, with David Cameron clearly indicating that those on the Ministerial payroll will not accept the suggested pay rise, or the above inflation pay rise for MPs. Will Nick Bourne be telling his leader at Westminster that he is guilty of political opportunism, and that of the worst kind? I don't think so somehow! Will Nick Bourne and his group at the Assembly refuse to take their pay rise retrospectively as a result of their colleagues' decision at Westminster? Hardly.

Don't think for a minute that I'm letting the other parties off the hook, either. Harriet Harman, a Labour Minister has also been quoted in the press as saying that MPs should not accept the pay rise due to rising inflation and household finances. It was for this very reason that I did not accept my pay rise- how can it be justified when workers on the front line are being squeezed due to rising social pressures, and a lack of salary increase to coincide with this?

At the time, I received hundreds of emails from Police officers and nurses, amazed that we were even considering accepting such a hefty pay rise under current circumstances. Of course I understand that we have more responsibilities as AMs due to new powers at the Assembly, but like those in the third sector, and those who work diligently on low wages throughout their lives, if we are passionate and committed about what we do, finances should be at the back of our minds, not the main reason as to why one becomes a political representative.

I understand that there will be a vote at Westminster on this issue on the 3rd of July, but I agree with the recommendation made that MPs should not vote on their own salary increase. It somehow defeats the object of having an independent investigation in to the issue in the first place.

I look forward to seeing what individual MPs have to say on the matter. Following the somewhat controversial discussion on MPs allowances, I think that many MPs will make up some excuse or another for why they deserve a pay rise of such significance.