Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Poor Mary and everybody else. There must be something wrong with the system if it allows very direct political advertising but has no legislation to deal with it. We must deal with that issue. It might not be possible in this legislation but we must deal with it in the near future.

Before introducing this legislation the Minister appeared before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to discuss the Bill. I look forward to him discussing it further on Committee Stage and dealing with some minor points of clarification and refinement. Above all, I look forward to the provision of briefing information through the local authorities for candidates or their agents so they will fully understand the implications of the legislation. The Standards in Public Office Commission provides an extensive briefing note for candidates in general elections, which is very helpful, but a briefing will be required to help candidates in local elections. I look forward to that happening.

The most important element in an election campaign is volunteerism, on which one cannot put a price. The shoe leather, thank God, is not listed as an item of expenditure. The best way to get elected is through the use of shoe leather in the house to house canvas and shaking the hands of voters. I look forward to this legislation being passed by the House as quickly as possible.

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