Martin calls for support for FF Bill on party donations

THE MORIARTY tribunal’s recommendations on political donations could be implemented immediately if a Fianna Fáil Bill gets cross-party support, according to party leader Micheál Martin.

Fianna Fáil is calling for a referendum on the “effective” ban on corporate donations to political parties on the same day as the presidential election later this year.

“In our election manifesto we said that we would introduce a Bill on political donations within a month of the reconvening of the Dáil and that we would seek all-party support for it. Since then the report of the Moriarty tribunal has reinforced the need for the Dáil to be seen to act swiftly,” Mr Martin said.

“We have taken extensive legal advice in drafting this Bill, which will effectively end corporate donations and dramatically increase the levels of transparency in political funding and expenditure. To go further would, we are advised, require a constitutional referendum, which we are committed to proposing be held on the same day as the presidential election later this year.”

The Government prioritised some of its electoral reform policies, including a ban on corporate donations, in its first programme of legislation published last week. The Electoral Amendment (Political Funding) Bill, which would ban corporate donations, sets new rules for political funding and imposes lower thresholds above which donations have to be declared. It would also limit donations from individuals to parties to €2,500. In addition, maximum donations to candidates will be lowered from €2,539 to €1,000.

Mr Martin said yesterday the Fianna Fáil Bill would give the Dáil the opportunity to ensure that the changes are in force before the summer recess. “Rather than waiting for months and potentially not changing the situation until early next year at the latest, we believe that the Government should support this Bill and allow it to go forward to committee where amendments can be made.”

Under the Bill, all corporate donations over €100 would have to be declared within 14 days, authorised by a general meeting and registered with the Standards in Public Offices Commission.

Also, all companies, directors and significant shareholders would have to declare all current or potential public contracts at the time of making any donation.

In addition, the party announced its intention to push for a constitutional amendment this year to allow a more comprehensive ban on corporate donations. This approach has been taken because of legal advice that a complete ban would most likely be unconstitutional.

Mr Martin said the Bill would reduce allowable individual donations to political parties from €6,348 to €4,000, with the level at which these must be publicly declared to fall from €5,078 to €2,500. It would require the publication of donation statements within 25 days of polling. It is currently 58 days for unsuccessful candidates and March 31st of the following year for successful candidates.

Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore told the Dáil last week the recommendations made in the Moriarty report, including the central one regarding the bringing to an end of corporate donations, would be proceeded with.

There were also recommendations relating to whistleblowing and so on and they would be proceeded with in the course of time, he added.