Despite legislative changes, we remain in the dark about the financial solvency of political representatives and political parties, writes Elaine Byrne in The IRISH TIMES, October 11, 2006
The acceptance by the Taoiseach of loans and donations totalling €60,000 in 1993 and 1994 once more highlighted the traditional dependence of Irish politicians on political contributions.
Some 13 years later, this dependency has not changed.
In spite of the proliferation of legislation introduced to regulate the funding of Irish politics in the intervening period, the acceptance of similar loans or donations is perfectly within the current legal parameters, subject to disclosure. The Tánaiste has now asked the Taoiseach to change the legislation in this respect. But why stop there?
