Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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361. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the reason the word "independent" is excluded from the ballot paper in the local elections of 23 May; and if he will facilitate a change on this matter. [15058/14]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Regulation 14(6) of the Local Elections Regulations 1995 provides that where a candidate is not the candidate of a registered political party contesting the local elections, the candidate may include on his or her nomination paper the expression 'Non-Party' and, if the candidate does so, that expression will also be specified in relation to the candidate on all the ballot papers and on notices.

This regulation is based on the premise that the expression 'Non-Party' on the ballot paper indicates adequately that a person does not belong to a political party. There are no proposals for legislative change in this regard.