Candidates spent €4m in June elections

INVESTING heavily in the European elections paid off for Fine Gael, but money was no guarantee of success in the campaign.

Just over €4 million was spent by the 44 candidates and seven political parties who contested June’s European election.

Although Fianna Fáil spent more in total, almost €1.3m or €161,000 on average for its eight candidates, Fine Gael spent more per candidate, an average of €190,000 on its six candidates or €1.1m overall. Five Fine Gael MEPs were successful, while Fianna Fáil got just four MEPs elected.