Rise in election spending opposed

THE State’s public office watchdog has disagreed with the views of Minister for the Environment Martin Cullen that spending limits for political parties and candidates during election campaigns should be increased.

The Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO), in a review of the Electoral Acts, states that it was not “aware that the current limits caused a particularly difficulty for any party or candidate in the context of being able to deliver a meaningful campaign”.

The Commission also warns that an increase in spending limits could lead to a disproportional advantage at the polling booths for larger and better-resourced parties.