The Public Offices Commission has outlined the rules to be followed by presidential election candidates in relation to the disclosure of political donations.
The commission, which was established under the Electoral Act of this year, said yesterday it was making its statement "in response to media comment that would suggest that some confusion exists about the matter".
Under the terms of the Electoral Act each candidate will have to disclose any donation exceeding £500 received from any source since May 15th, 1997, in relation to the election.
A donation includes a donation of money, property, services or goods, a loan of property or goods, the provision of property or services below the commercial cost or the donation of profit from a fund-raising event.
This disclosure will have to be made not later than 56 days after polling day, by December 25th, 1997.
In addition, anonymous donations received worth over £100 must be surrendered to the commission.