Rigid new guidelines governing political contributions and election expenses of candidates in the next general election were published this afternoon.
The Standards in Public Office Commission has published the guidelines to cover the requirements of the Electoral Act, 1997. They state:
- donations with a value of more than €634.87 (£500) from the same person must be disclosed;
- the maximum value of donations which a candidate may receive from the same person is €2,539.48 (£2,000);
- foreign donations may not be accepted;
- anonymous donations exceeding €126.97 (£100) may not be accepted;
- benefits-in-kind, if used during the election period must be accounted for at their full commercial value;
- expenses incurred on property, services or facilities which are met out of public funds are not regarded as election expenses.
In addition, overspending on election expenses will become a criminal offence with the possibility of is the High Court setting aside the result of the election.
The Guidelines also outline the legal obligations for newspapers and magazines, third parties who receive political donations and others who incur expenditure in promoting or opposing a political party or a candidate at the election.
Copies of the Guidelines will be sent to candidates and election agents who are already known.