Public understanding of the electoral system is paramount. We need to provide a fully transparent and accountable system which will be clearer, more concise and easily understood for the benefit of the public, candidates and parties. The guidelines laid down by the commission were very clear to us as they stated that any payment, service or facility provided for a person out of public funds or moneys provided by an institution of the European Community or other intergovernmental organisation to which the State was a party, pursuant to specified legislation, by virtue of the person being a representative in the European Parliament, a Member of the Dáil or Seanad, the holder of a qualifying office or position, the holder of an elected or other public office or a member of, delegate to or representative in a body established by or under an agreement or arrangement to which the State is a party, was not an election expense. The guidelines also stated the free postal service was not deemed to be an election expense in the May 2002 general election.