Politicians declare €160,000 in donations

TDs, Senators and MEPs received more than €160,000 in declared donations last year, according to figures published today by the Standards Commission.

The total sum represents a decrease of 81% on the figure for 2007, which reflects the fact that a general election was held that year.

The Standards Commission says the donations declared by politicians include money and the use of property or services.

Fianna Fáil politicians have disclosed the highest proportion of donations at more than €94,000.

The Labour Party declared more than €40,000 and Fine Gael more than €24,000, while the Greens disclosed just €1,200 worth of donations.

Labour Senator Alan Kelly received the highest amount at more than €35,000, followed by former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern at €19,000, which relates to the use of property at St Luke's in Dublin.