Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)

The fact so many Independents were elected in the last general election is a reflection of the citizens' choice and that cannot be ignored. The words "political party" are not mentioned in the Constitution. Political parties are to all intents and purposes private clubs focused on the political system. Essentially, the resources provided to the Independents are provided to the political parties but to a much greater extent. The leaders' allowance is provided to the party leader. One would have to question how much power the backbencher has. Many Deputies have said to me and to others that they did not realise funding was provided by the Deputy to the party leader. Much of this political funding is to provide a press office, which is there to maintain the situation.

Parties produce a manifesto at election time but a constant bone of contention among the electorate is that many of the things in those manifestos are pious aspirations. All of the policy which finds its way into the main document of the political party - people vote on what is presented to them - does not appear in the decisions made. I will press the amendment as its acceptance would make a meaningful difference and have the effect of saving the Exchequer a substantial amount of money.

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