Gormley vows to clean up politics with major reforms
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ENVIRONMENT Minister John Gormley yesterday pledged corporate donations to political parties will be banned after the coalition deal with Fianna Fail.
But donations from individual businessmen will still be allowed in a personal capacity, just not on behalf of their companies.
The Greens are making the political-reform aspects of the new programme for government a major selling point.
Political donations to parties and candidates will only be allowed from individual citizens. Mr Gormley said it would be done and he would "guarantee" it would happen.
"I am telling you now we will get rid of corporate donations. I would like to do it within the next year," he said.
The change will also allow for the setting-up of a political fund, where donations from private bodies, including business and corporations, can still be made to a political fund which will be distributed to all the political parties in line with their electoral performance in the previous general election.
The government parties are also pledging to bring in a vouched system of expenses for TDs and senators. A more transparent and open system for appointment to public bodies will also be introduced.
The remainder of the electoral-reform proposals are not as clear-cut and are dependent upon the recommendations of an independent Electoral Commission, which will be set up.
Realities
Within a year of being established, the Electoral Commission will propose reforms to the electoral system, including changes to the system for Dail elections, the number of TDs and the way they are elected. A new electoral system for the Seanad is to be set out.
The commission will advise on the basis for European elections "to reflect the new realities of the role and influence of the European Parliament", including looking at moving towards one national constituency and using a list system.
The commission will also make recommendations on the possibility of extending the franchise for local elections to those aged 16.
Major changes to the local government system may also be in the offing. The setting up of regional authorities -- separate to city and county councils -- with the powers to set policy within that region is being advanced. The members of these regional authorities would also be directly elected.
The section on local government reform was omitted in error from the draft programme for government, but was published subsequently.
"The authorities shall be based on areas which reflect the gateways in the National Spatial Strategy, have democratic leadership and take a critical role in establishing and coordinating the new planning regime.
But the setting up of this new layer of local government won't be possible within the lifetime of this Government.
The process will start with the publication by Mr Gormley of a white paper on local government reform to be followed by an extensive consultation process.
- Fionnan Sheahan Political Editor
Irish Independent
