If MPs can't pay for their food then who can?

[slofox]

Nothing to stop them making sandwiches for their lunch. I'm sure even an MP is capable of doing that.

You reckon..? I dunno - that's pretty hard y'know...

[klingon]

Nothing to stop them making sandwiches for their lunch. I'm sure even an MP is capable of doing that.

Remember, most of them don't live in Wellington.

I do know some who take bread, fruit, etc and keep it in their office but I still think that if the taxpayer is going to subsidise food for the MPs, then that's the sort of basic stuff we should be subsidising. Not luxury/junk items like chips, pies & chicken nuggets.

[Dave Lobster]

Remember, most of them don't live in Wellington.

I do know some who take bread, fruit, etc and keep it in their office but I still think that if the taxpayer is going to subsidise food for the MPs, then that's the sort of basic stuff we should be subsidising. Not luxury/junk items like chips, pies & chicken nuggets.

No way.. let's subsidise shit food instead. The more crap they eat, the sooner they die. They wont be claiming a state funded pension when they're old. Saves us money..

[Forest]

Bellamy's isn't just a restaurant for MPs.

The bulk of their business is serving public service employees (of which there are hundreds in the parliament building).

[spacemonkey]

Oh come on.... if free food for the MPs was really such a luxury there'd be a lot overweight MPs.

... I rest my case...

Of course..... Must be why the average "non luxury" Mc Donalds patron are such outstanding visions of physical perfection.

The quality of the ingredients and the cooking processes (i'd bet they would be smaller servings too) probably make them relatively healthy meals at a guess.

[Winston001]

I do know some who take bread, fruit, etc and keep it in their office but I still think that if the taxpayer is going to subsidise food for the MPs, then that's the sort of basic stuff we should be subsidising. Not luxury/junk items like chips, pies & chicken nuggets.

Yes I'd go along with that. Add cheese and butter. Yum!

It always looks hypocritical when Parliament asks for fiscal restraint of the nation while MPs continue with their perks unchallenged. However I don't think you could ever trim MPs pay and benefits enough to satisfy everyone. They'd have to get NIL. And that won't happen.

[Winston001]

Nobody is making them do it. They all do it through choice..

Well.. maybe.. how many of them could get real jobs??

I don't know how many MPs get a rise in income when elected but its not as many as we think. Ok some do, but people like John Key and Michael Cullen would be much better off outside Parliament.

The average person won't be an MP. Its just too tough. Personally, career, and family.

And if nobody did it except the wealthy.....how would we like that??