Election spending to be capped at €15,000

MINISTER FOR the Environment John Gormley predicted that the introduction of spending limits for candidates in the June local elections would lead to openness and transparency in the electoral process.

“Putting in place spending limits will ensure that national and local elections will all be subject to similar spending rules, and should contribute to simplifying the law in this area,’’ he said.

Mr Gormley said that candidates in more populated areas tended to spend more, and the new limits took population in to account.

Among county and city councils, the electoral area with the smallest population was Drumlish, in Co Longford, with 6,453 people. At the other end of the scale, the Pemroke-Rathmines electoral area in Dublin city had the largest population, with 60,277 people.

He said that for the 34 county and city councils, a sliding scale would apply with four separate spending limits based on the population within each electoral area.

Limits would range from €15,000 to €9,750.

Candidates standing for election to borough and town councils would be subject to a flat spending limit of €7,500.

The limits imposed by the Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2009 would begin approximately 60 days out from the election.

Under the Bill, election posters may be displayed 30 days prior to polling day.

James Bannon (FG, Longford-Westmeath) said the Bill addressed important issues and broadly succeeded.

“However, it failes for its lack of scope and depth, particularly the timescale proposed for limits on election spending and the failure to include a reference to the provision of an electoral commission.’’

Deirdre Clune (FG, Cork South Central) said that money spent was not as important as the amount of people a candidate met.

Labour environment spokesman Ciaran Lynch said he welcomed the Bill, although it was coming at a late hour.

The 60-day lead-in time was too short, he said.