Figures reveal presidential election spend

None of the candidates in last year's presidential election overspent on their campaigns, according to figures released this evening by the Standards in Public Office Commission.

The spending limit per candidate was €750,000.

However, only Michael D. Higgins, Sean Gallagher and Martin McGuinness secured enough votes to qualify for a reimbursement of €200,000 towards their campaign expenses.

Fine Gael's Gay Mitchell spent the most on his campaign - a total of €527,152.01.

The next highest spend was on Mary Davis (€414,041.32). Some €359,935.48 was spent on behalf of President Higgins.

David Norris spent €331,974.89, expenses of €323,318.45 were incurred by Mr Gallagher, Mr McGuinnes spent €302,563.47 and Dana Rosemary Scallon's campaign cost €59,591.47.

The election expenses in total amounted to amounted to €2,318,577.09, with donations accounting for €304,570.75.

President Higgins was the candidate whose campaign received the most financial support in donations, at €121,421.53.