Menu
02/03/2011
FF Facing Financial Frailty
Fianna Fail are expected to lose anywhere up to €10 million in state funding over the course of the next Dáil after their crushing defeat in the last election.
The party's finances are believed to have haemorrhaged debts of around €3m already, and could incur further losses as Fianna Fail wrestles with diminished influences and an uncertain future.
Losing 53 TDs in the election has meant a huge chunk of its income has gone from party member subscriptions along with individual relationships with financial backers.
In their manifesto for this year, Michael Martin's embattled party made special provisions for a reduction to part donations, which are yet to be enforced.
The Fianna Fail manifesto said: "We support the introduction of a legal ban of all political donations except for persons entitled to vote in a general election. Elections should be funded and decided soley by those entitled to vote. We will also support the halving of the donation limit to political parties and a new independent system for auditing compliance with spending and donation controls contained in the electoral acts.
"We will introduce a bill to this effect within the period of the next Dáil."
Michael Martin is expected to undertake a "nationwide tour" aimed at rebuilding the party, but the parties financial problems could scupper Mr Martin's chances of rejuvenating the party's grassroots.
According to the Standards in Public Office Commission, Fianna Fail received €3.6m through the Party Leader's Allowance in 2009. For the first 10 TDs gone, Fianna Fail will lose €57,214 a year, while each of the next 43 will cost €28,616 in funding.
(DW)
The party's finances are believed to have haemorrhaged debts of around €3m already, and could incur further losses as Fianna Fail wrestles with diminished influences and an uncertain future.
Losing 53 TDs in the election has meant a huge chunk of its income has gone from party member subscriptions along with individual relationships with financial backers.
In their manifesto for this year, Michael Martin's embattled party made special provisions for a reduction to part donations, which are yet to be enforced.
The Fianna Fail manifesto said: "We support the introduction of a legal ban of all political donations except for persons entitled to vote in a general election. Elections should be funded and decided soley by those entitled to vote. We will also support the halving of the donation limit to political parties and a new independent system for auditing compliance with spending and donation controls contained in the electoral acts.
"We will introduce a bill to this effect within the period of the next Dáil."
Michael Martin is expected to undertake a "nationwide tour" aimed at rebuilding the party, but the parties financial problems could scupper Mr Martin's chances of rejuvenating the party's grassroots.
According to the Standards in Public Office Commission, Fianna Fail received €3.6m through the Party Leader's Allowance in 2009. For the first 10 TDs gone, Fianna Fail will lose €57,214 a year, while each of the next 43 will cost €28,616 in funding.
(DW)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 March 2024
SDLP Launches Petition For Restoration Of Integrated Schools Funding
The SDLP has launched a petition calling for the restoration of funding for new buildings at ten integrated schools across NI. The petition follows the recent announcement of the withdrawal of this funding as part of the financial package agreed between Executive parties and the UK Government.
SDLP Launches Petition For Restoration Of Integrated Schools Funding
The SDLP has launched a petition calling for the restoration of funding for new buildings at ten integrated schools across NI. The petition follows the recent announcement of the withdrawal of this funding as part of the financial package agreed between Executive parties and the UK Government.
30 November 2016
McDonald Rejects Proposals For 'Excessive' Water Use Charge
Sinn Féin Vice President, Mary Lou McDonald, has rejected proposals by the Expert Commission to charge customers for 'excessive' waste usage. Speaking in the Dáil during Leaders' Questions today, 30 November, Teachta McDonald said imposing a levy would "inevitably lead to the introduction of across the board water charges in the future".
McDonald Rejects Proposals For 'Excessive' Water Use Charge
Sinn Féin Vice President, Mary Lou McDonald, has rejected proposals by the Expert Commission to charge customers for 'excessive' waste usage. Speaking in the Dáil during Leaders' Questions today, 30 November, Teachta McDonald said imposing a levy would "inevitably lead to the introduction of across the board water charges in the future".
04 September 2012
FF Accuses Tánaiste Of Resorting To 'Old Party Tricks'
The Tánaiste Éamon Gilmore has once again resorted to his favourite party trick of kicking Fianna Fáil instead of addressing the real concerns of patients and their families in the face of savage health cuts.
FF Accuses Tánaiste Of Resorting To 'Old Party Tricks'
The Tánaiste Éamon Gilmore has once again resorted to his favourite party trick of kicking Fianna Fáil instead of addressing the real concerns of patients and their families in the face of savage health cuts.
14 May 2013
Academic Watchdog To Investigate College Postgrad Programme
A college, which awarded a postgraduate degree to its own chairman, is to be investigated by the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). The academic watchdog is concerned over how the Faln Garvey, the chair of IT Tralee's governing body, received his masters degree in 2008.
Academic Watchdog To Investigate College Postgrad Programme
A college, which awarded a postgraduate degree to its own chairman, is to be investigated by the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). The academic watchdog is concerned over how the Faln Garvey, the chair of IT Tralee's governing body, received his masters degree in 2008.
20 September 2011
FF Won't Back Presidential Candidates
Fianna Fail (FF) has decided that they will not back independent candidates in the presidential election. It follows a row in Fianna Fáil over the party's presidential election strategy. Party Leader Micheal Martin put forward the motion, which was seconded by his Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív.
FF Won't Back Presidential Candidates
Fianna Fail (FF) has decided that they will not back independent candidates in the presidential election. It follows a row in Fianna Fáil over the party's presidential election strategy. Party Leader Micheal Martin put forward the motion, which was seconded by his Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:A rather cloudy morning, with a little patchy light rain or drizzle to start. Skies clearing and becoming dry and increasingly sunny in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Dry with prolonged clear spells through the evening and overnight. This will allow for some fog patches to develop in places overnight. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
