Banning Political Donations

Below is a letter published in The Irish Times a few weeks ago. Vincent Browne wrote in Wednesday's Irish Times about the potential to ban private political donations. I have been somewhat busy of late but I will give you a taste of the arguments that will be added to this. Apologies to those of you who have already seen this.

Madam, - James Moran's suggestion (July 1st) that political donations should be outlawed in favour of a system whereby taxpayers fund election candidates seems sensible on the face of it, but is in fact highly undesirable.

I find it difficult to accept that a taxpayer who strongly disagrees with the political philosophy of a party or individual could be forced to fund their electoral ambitions. I would be loath to imagine any of the tax I pay being spent on politicians whom I consider extreme in their views, whether they be far-left or far-right, and there are certainly parties represented in Dáil Éireann that I could never contemplate funding. Extreme views can only be allowed a stronger voice if such a law were to come into force.

All citizens should have a right to donate to the political party or group of their choice given that a sensible limit is set for any donation. What is required is the proper enforcement of this limit. It should be mandatory for all political parties and political groups to produce a list of all contributors and the size of every donation. This scrutiny should be extended to all interest and lobby groups operating in this State. - Yours, etc,

Umar Ahmed