Former politician Maurice Manning is to forego his €45,000-a-year basic pension paid to former TDs and senators in light of the current downturn, saying it is the "right thing to do" in light of last week's budget.

The move follows last week's revelation in the Sunday Tribune that more than 250 former Oireachtas members, some of whom like Manning have since taken up lucrative jobs in the public and private sector, were paid basic pensions of up to €69,000 last year at a cost of over €8m.

It remains unclear whether other high-profile former politicians will follow the example of Manning, who is paid €237,000 a year as president of the Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC).

Despite attempts to contact them throughout last week, the Sunday Tribune was unable to obtain a response from former president Mary Robinson, Construction Industry Federation chief Tom Parlon, EU Commissioner Charlie Mc Creevy, former Taoiseach John Bruton and bookmaker Ivan Yates.

Manning told the Sunday Tribune he has volunteered to take a pay cut worth "slightly more" than his basic Oireachtas pension, leading to a reduction of €47,400 in his overall pay. The total figure includes his previous commitment to take a 10% pay cut following a suggestion by Brian Lenihan that public-sector bosses consider such a move.

Manning said he had already taken half of the €47,400 pay cut and has asked the IHRC to implement the remainder at the start of next month. He refused to say whether he thought others should follow suit, emphasising instead that it was a "purely personal decision" on his behalf. "Obviously, I'm not under any pressure, other than moral pressure, to do this. But it is the right thing to do. The budget this week was definitely a catalyst," he said.

Oireachtas members must serve two years before being entitled to a payment, with some eligible for a reduced pension from their 45th birthday.