Labour calls for crackdown on political lobbying

THE Labour Party wants to crack down on powerful lobbyists who use “inside tracks” with the public service to influence key Government decisions.

Party leader Pat Rabbitte is bringing forward a bill which would regulate political lobbying. Mr Rabbitte said he would make the bill’s enactment “a priority” if returned to power at the next general election.

The proposed legislation provides for the Standards in Public Office Commission to maintain a public register of paid lobbyists and requires much greater disclosure of their activities.