Sir, - Deputy Michael McDowell's comment (April 25th) that putting controls on election spending would penalise the honest politician who obeyed the law, while favouring the dishonest politician, is an extraordinary piece of logic. One could similarly argue that all laws penalise the honest and reward the dishonest. Given Mr McDowell's legal background one can only conclude that his argument is disingenuous.
The real reason for the PDs' opposition to the Electoral Bill is the proposal to reimburse (up to £5,000) candidates who retain their deposit. As a party whose policies pander to the rich, the PDs have no problem raising funds from supporters. Indeed, the double jobbing Mr McDowell can quite easily fund his own high spending campaigns from his own pocket. The last thing he wants is any levelling of the playing field.
The proposed bill would greatly assist those who wish to represent the disadvantaged people in our society and those who want to be free of financial dependence on wealthy benefactors. For this very reason I fear it will not be passed by our TDs. - Yours etc
Ceannt Fort,
Dublin 8.