Sir, - I have the ultimate solution to the financing of political parties. It would involve the full disclosure of accounts on the same annual basis as any other business [politicians lately are saying that running a party is like running a business, so that shouldn't be a problem]. Donations, either private or corporate, would be tax deductible and therefore declared, thus further making the issue transparent.
The most important element of the whole transaction would be that the donations are given in to a central fund and allocated to each party or independent on a percentage basis, according to the instructions of the donor. There would be a set minimum which one could give to each party/independent.
Any shortfall in the fund could be made up by the Exchequer, an estimate by all parties as to how much they would need in a set year being fixed at the start of the year, and the fund requirement being set at that level. The only problem with the plan is that it would seem to be a little too transparent, and therefore politically unacceptable, hut I live in hope. - Yours, etc.,
Oak Park,
Ennis, Co Clare.