Over a number of years, the Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats Government has, one assumes in its own interest, continually attempted to erode the provisions of the Electoral Act 1997. The former Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Deputy Noel Dempsey, increased the amount that could be spent by candidates by 45%, while raising the limits for corporate donations. He also prevented the Standards in Public Office Commission from including pre-election spending under the Act. Subsequently, only expenditure following the dissolution of the Dáil was considered and this led to a financial power-base influencing the election. In other words, there is big money out there which is buying elections.