Public ethics – Mystery funding

THE state’s ethics watchdog, in its annual report yesterday, reminded us that political parties spent millions on last year’s election but did not say where most of the money came from.

The Standards in Public Office Commission reported that between party HQ, Dáil deputies, senators, MEPs and unsuccessful candidates, Fianna Fáil recorded €661,523 in donations last year. The party spent €3,650,241 in the general election — a difference of €2,988,718 that remains unaccounted for.

Fianna Fáil is not alone. Fine Gael declared €191,095, but spent €2,809,474 — a difference of 2,618,379. Labour declared €152,084, yet spent €1,477,321. The PDs declared €15,879, yet spent €1,012,707