Sinn Fein will not be renewing leases on London flats after the party's abstentionist MPs hit the headlines for claiming £500,000 in rental expenses, it was revealed today.

SINN FEIN MPs WILL NOT RENEW LONDON FLATS LEASE

By Steven McCaffery, Press Association

The party said it had operated within the Westminster rules when its five MPs made their accommodation claims, despite the republicans' refusal to take their seats in the Commons.

Today Sinn Fein said it had decided not to renew the leases on flats in London which had been used by the party when its MPs were on parliamentary business.

"The leases on the two London properties used by Sinn Fein MPs have now expired," said Newry/Armagh MP Conor Murphy.

"The party has taken a decision not to renew these leases and instead our MPs will use hotel accommodation when in London on constituency business.

"We have recently reviewed the issue of accommodation for Sinn Fein MPs in London in the context of best value for public money, security and the reduction in MPs' accommodation allowance as of May this year.

"Accordingly we are informing people of a change in our approach to MPs' accommodation."

Earlier this year the Sunday Telegraph said the five Sinn Fein MPs had claimed almost £500,000 in expenses by renting London properties from an Irish landlord at above average rates.

But Sinn Fein said the cost of its London apartments included services other rental agreements did not necessarily include, such as parking, bills and housekeeping.

At the time, party president Gerry Adams said Sinn Fein members did not personally gain from expenses and each received the average industrial wage in payment.

The party said it represented its constituents without attending the Commons and fought elections on an abstentionist ticket.

Mr Murphy said today that the party made its financial dealings public.

"Sinn Fein have proven over many years to act in an open and transparent manner when it comes to the publication of accounts and expenses," said Mr Murphy.