An outgoing cabinet minister believes there should be no additional compensation for departing cabinet ministers unless approved by the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Gerry Byrne, who has served politically – both federally and provincially – for more than three decades, is one of a long list of senior cabinet ministers who have indicated they won’t be seeking re-election in the upcoming provincial election.

Byrne was responding to the recent revelation that cabinet quietly approved a “transitional allowance policy” allowing departing cabinet minister to receive severance equivalent to one month of their ministerial salary for each year served.

The news went down like a lead balloon among the electorate and opposition parties and the policy was rescinded last week.

Byrne told VOCM Open Line with Paddy Daly the people have spoken.

“There’s no appetite for salary increases for MHAs” says Byrne “and politicians and party leaders should say it , and say it out loud, and no salary increases unless it’s built-in from a mandate from the people in a platform.”

NDP Leader Jim Dinn meanwhile, says he’s surprised that the policy was brought in secretly.

“I’m amazed at this,” says Dinn.

“There is a report for the Member’s Compensation Review Committee that hasn’t made its way yet into the public. But..if you’re asking me how things should have been done, it should be transparent at all stages. If this is about compensating members who represent the public and it’s the public’s money, it should always be public.”