The Labour Party plans to ban corporate donations to political parties in an effort to combat the "culture of strokes and cute hoorism", which it said is prevalent in the Fianna Fail party.
Speaking at the launch of the fourth part of the Labour Manifesto, Freedom and Democracy, Mr Pat Rabitte said his party would reverse the decision by the Government to amend the Electoral Act thereby allowing parties to increase the amount of money spent on elections.
"It is important to recognise that the vast majority of people in public life in this country are decent and honourable people," Mr Rabitte, Labour spokesman on Enterprise, Trade and Employment, said.
"But the behavior of some politicians and particularly the debased conduct that flourished in the Fianna Fail party under the tutelage of Charles Haughey, has cast a long shadow.
"A culture of strokes and cute hoorism took root in the Fainna Fail party and part of that culture remains to this day."
In response Labour says it will:
- Scrap increased election spending limits in general elections
- Ban corporate donations to political parties
- Ban corporate donations to political parties
- Abolish the dual mandate between county councils and the Dail.
The fourth part of the party’s manifesto, which was launched as 26 community and anti-poverty groups walked out of today’s PPF plenary session, also contains a list of commitments for people with disabilities.
The manifesto promises a strong and enforceable rights based disabilities bill. It also promises the full implementation of the report by the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities.
This would be cemented with a constitutional amendment to enhance the rights of people with disabilities.
Labour also promises a Family Law Act allowing people to marry where they want. The act will, according to the manifesto, curtail in camerahearings in family law cases in the courts and create a Legal Aid Board that will allow people on free legal aid employ whatever solicitor they wish.