David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The amendment is about recouping election expenses. It seems to me it is a perfectly reasonable thing to expect. I also made the point that people who are running for the first time should get an allowance proportionate to the amount of votes they got. This will be particularly important when the reforms go through and there are constituencies of 750,000 people. How could a young person run? He or she would be standing against people with a high public profile. They would find it very difficult. They would get one mailshot and I do not think that is enough.

In a sense, I consider politics to be a vocation but also a profession. It is work and if one takes it seriously it is hard work. I do not see any reason if it is a profession, work or business that one should not be treated on the same level as others who can write off business expenses. That would be one measure that would make it worthwhile.

I will not go on ad nauseamabout it because I spoke about it previously and it is silly to be repetitive. The Minister has heard the arguments and I am just giving their bare outline. It would of value for the Government to look at this. If not in this Bill, perhaps it will look at it subsequently.