No pension changes for politicians - for now

Tynwald members have voted-down an attempt to make them contribute to their own pensions.

A motion tabled by South Douglas member Bill Malarkey called on all Tynwald members to contribute five per cent of their salaries to their pension scheme, from the next general election, in 2011.

The proposal provoked a lively debate.

Speaker Steve Rodan argued for the matter to be looked at by the standing committee which is already examining Tynwald members' pay and pensions - the Emoluments Comittee.

Mr Malarkey said the idea was fair - although he didn't expect members to like it.

But an amendment referring the issue to the Emoluments Committee was carried.

That means members have yet to publicly declare they're in favour of contributing to their pensions.

Speaker Steve Rodan says the issue needs to be considered in the right place.