Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 588: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the fact that there is no longer a legal basis for banning the word independent on ballot papers at all elections following the recent court case; and if he will rectify the situation before the next election. [3823/07]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Supreme Court judgment of 13 November 2006 in the cases of King/Cooney/Riordan upheld the legislative provision for the description "non-party" on the ballot paper of candidates who are not members of registered political parties. The judgment observed, inter alia, that there is no reason to conclude that the description "non-party" on the ballot paper is misleading. In the circumstances, there is no proposal to alter current legislation in this regard.