David Norris (Independent)

Whatever it is, a specific situation arises in this regard. Here, again, we have the parties looking after themselves with regard to the allocation of funds. What about independence? What about people who have to reach into their own pockets? It is an abrogation of democracy that political parties get funding from the taxpayer as if we were not all taxpayers. Why not give consideration to people who are so committed to a life of public service that they use their own resources? I admit a personal interest but there are other people throughout the country with exactly the same personal interest.

There is one way around this, which should perhaps be explored. My full-time professional occupation, as is true of a number of others in the House, is politics. I am a full-time Member of Seanad Éireann and I devote sometimes 16 to 18 hours a day to the work in this House - that is the degree of my commitment to it. However, I get no funding for election expenses while political parties get their funding, which they can distribute among their candidates, to say nothing of toners, ink and all the rest. Why should I or other Independent candidates not be permitted to write off the election expenses, which are a necessary and vital part of the continuation of a political career, against income tax? Will the Minister comment? Would he say this is fair?