Harry Cullen, spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Conservatives, has welcomed the Committee for Standards in Public Life’s (CSPL) recommendations on party funding in Northern Ireland and called for a “culture of secrecy” around donations to political parties here to end.
“Since the expenses scandal at Westminster there has been a drive for complete transparency in public life, which the current government has spearheaded. Northern Ireland can no longer be the exception to this new spirit of openness and accountability.”
“For far too long political parties here have been able to shroud their finances in secrecy. The CSPL’s recommendation that details of donations over £7,500 should be published is echoed by the Electoral Commission. There is no excuse whatsoever for donations to Northern Irish parties not to be subjected to exactly the same rigorous standards of transparency as elsewhere in the UK.”
“It’s a coincidence that this report has been published in the same week as fresh questions have emerged about deals between property developers and executive departments at Stormont, with land exchanging hands for prices way under market value. But it emphasises the point that voters in Northern Ireland have a right to know who funds political parties whose ministers are responsible for important decisions involving taxpayers’ money.”
“All the arguments against openness simply add to the impression that there is something for the parties to hide. For the greater good of politics here and to help restore the reputation of politicians, let’s have everything above board. Let’s have a transparent and accountable regime for party political donations in Northern Ireland.”