MEP stands firm on fiddle claims despite Cox fury

By Martin Banks

Date: 22/04/04

AUSTRIAN MEP Hans-Peter Martin last night (21 April) stood by his allegations that hundreds of deputies had fiddled expenses, despite a rebuke from European Parliament President Pat Cox.

The Irishman lambasted Martin following his allegations that MEPs had pocketed daily allowances for sessions they had not attended. He said he had found "zero evidence" of any wrongdoing.

A clearly incensed Cox, who was among those Martin had accused of unfairly claiming allowances, told members he had invited Martin last month to provide information about any misuse of funds.

"It is clear Mr Martin is criticizing the system but there is no indication whatsoever that members have broken the rules of the House."

Cox said he deplored the methods Martin had used against fellow MEPs: "It is my view that the secret filming of members and secret recording of their conversations is not acceptable in any circumstances, least of all when done by an MEP."

Martin, a former journalist, hit back by insisting that some members routinely claimed a €262 attendance allowance, only to leave minutes after signing in.

"I totally reject the suggestion that there is zero evidence of these allegations and would point out the existence of filmed evidence."

Despite being rebuked by Pat Cox, President of the European Parliament, Austrian MEP Hans-Peter Martin stands by his allegation that hundreds of MEPs have unfairly claimed expenses.