Seanad debates
Wednesday, 18 June 2003
Election Expenses: Motion.
Senator McCarthy referred to the guidelines laid down. The limits are €25,394.76 in a three seat constituency, €31,743.45 in a four seat constituency and €38,092.14 in a five seat constituency. I speak for many colleagues when I say have no problem with these limits. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael would have more than one candidate in each constituency – it would be unusual for Fianna Fáil to have just one candidate like other parties such as the Labour Party. Although the limits are acceptable to me, this is still a difficult situation. A candidate can mention running mates on his or her poster and vice versa. As such, one is supposed to account for this in the financial returns for what it is worth. The work of an agent can also cause problems as generally in Fianna Fáil as there is one agent for three candidates. If a candidate spends money the agent does not know about, there may be problems in getting the figures on paper for the commission. We should look at this situation.
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