Election losers fail to state donations

THREE unsuccessful general election candidates are being investigated by gardaí for failing to return a list of campaign donations they received to the State’s political watchdog.

In a list of donations received by unsuccessful election candidates, Sinn Féin’s losing candidates disclosed the highest value of donations of all political parties.

At just over 66,000, the party accounted for almost a quarter of the total amount declared. Sinn Féin was also the largest single donor giving 43,500 to its candidates.

Independent Louth candidates, Frank Godfrey from Drogheda and Liam Ó Gogáin from Dundalk, have failed to furnish statement to the Standards in Public Offices Commission (SIPO).

The Green Party candidate for Kildare South, JJ Power is also under investigation by gardaí for refusing to furnish a completed statutory declaration with his donation statement.

Last night a GP spokesman said the party would investigate the matter and attempt to ensure Mr Power does comply with the law.

“It’s the first that we have heard of this situation. We appeal to all our candidates to comply with the Public Offices Commission,” the spokesman said.

The SIPO said the candidates were given ample warning of their requirements before their names were passed to the gardaí.

Penalties for failing to submit donations returns include fines of to 1,270 and further fines of 127 per day until the form is received.

Eight files were originally referred to the gardaí for refusal to furnish a completed statutory declaration with his donation statement, but six candidates subsequently made their returns.

Losing candidates in the general election received almost 275,000 in donations to fund their campaigns.

Fianna Fáil councillor Chris Andrews, son of Dublin MEP Niall Andrews and cousin of Dun Laoghaire TD Barry Andrews, topped the poll for donations.

The candidate in Dublin South-East received almost 14,000.

In second place was Sinn Féin’s Nicky Kehoe, who almost took a seat from Bertie Ahern’s Dublin Central running mate Dr Dermot Fitzpatrick, with just over 12,500.

Fianna Fáil’s Kerry South candidate Dan Kiely received 11,000 and Independent candidate Kathy Sinnott, who only lost out on a seat in Cork South-Central after two recounts, received just under 11,000.

Of the political parties, after Sinn Féin, the second highest value of donations was disclosed by Labour Party candidates with 55,000, followed by Fianna Fáil at 51,000 and Fine Gael at 21,215.

Successful candidates will have to send in a donation statement in January 2003 disclosing donations over 635 during 2002.