Tadgh McNally: Falling short can cost candidates thousands

Social Democrats candidate Sinéad Gibney said that, without returning her expenses, it would be more difficult for her to launch a campaign for the Dáil, writes Tadgh McNally

Under the Electoral Act 1997, candidates are able to reclaim up to €64,400 worth of allowable election expenses. Picture: Don Moloney

As counts continue in both the Midlands North West and Ireland South European constituencies, there will be plenty of candidates who sought election that will not be getting their deposits or expenses back.

They may have poured thousands upon thousands of euros into their campaigns, littering the countryside and towns with posters and leaflets, but fail to recoup any of their costs as they do not meet the requirements for a rebate.