Monday, February 12, 2007
£760K windfall for local parties?
The Sunday Times has revealed it seems likely that the review into public financing of political parties will recommend a money-for-votes scheme based on Westmintser, European and devolved election results. The proposed rates are up to 60p for a Westminster vote and up to 30 p for a European or Devolved vote and would be on top of the existing short money. The eligibility criteria of two members in any of the five elected bodies will mean the DUP, SF, UUP, SDLP and Alliance are eligible.
If the maximum rates were implemented the five parties could receive the following payments based on the most recent Westminster, European and Assembly results:
DUP £251082.90
SF £196907.70
UUP £150816.90
SDLP £136907.40
All £24586.20
Fair Deal @ 08:34 AM
The London Assembly doesn’t count for qualification.
This proposal clearly supports the status quo and discriminates against independents or small parties.
Interestingly it would increase the importance of links with Britain for smaller parties. I assume the Conservatives would be eligible, but say the Greens would not as the first is the Conservative Party, but the second is a region of an Irish political party. So a Party with 6 TDs does not count, but one with 2 Assembly members does. There again if the NI Green Party were a region of the English Green Party or the Scottish one it would again be eligible.
Interesting how this proposal could play out in a NI context.
Posted by on Feb 12, 2007 @ 10:07 AM60 p for a Westmisnter vote eh, I wonder can I auction mine off for a pound?
Posted by on Feb 12, 2007 @ 10:12 AM60 p for a Westmisnter vote eh, I wonder can I auction mine off for a pound?
That would make no sense to the purchaser; however buying it for 30p might. The problem is that apart from being illegal and corrupt, there’s no way of enforcing the contract once you are in the secrecy of the ballot box.
Posted by on Feb 12, 2007 @ 10:25 AMJaysus Sammy would you stop raining on my idea,we need entrepreneurship (oh call it corruption if you like)
In a marginal constituency, every voting preference counts…maybe I could auction several preferences….....
By the way sammy you would know this, wheres the easiest place to find a list of those who have submitted election papers for March?
Posted by on Feb 12, 2007 @ 10:50 AMYokel - it’ll be published on the Electoral Office Website after 5 tomorrow.
Posted by on Feb 12, 2007 @ 10:53 AMSammy
Many thanks.
As a bit of a punter I’m looking forward to these elections.
Posted by on Feb 12, 2007 @ 11:35 AMSammy
You are ignoring the fact that the vote has an intrisical value all of its own beyond the monetary value returned to the party therefore a pound seems reasonable perhaps even bargain basement
Posted by on Feb 12, 2007 @ 12:20 PMYou are ignoring the fact that the vote has an intrisical value all of its own beyond the monetary value returned to the party therefore a pound seems reasonable perhaps even bargain basement
Not if your balance sheets are like those of most NI political parties…
Posted by on Feb 12, 2007 @ 12:31 PMit was a joke lol
Posted by on Feb 12, 2007 @ 12:59 PMSo was mine.
Posted by on Feb 12, 2007 @ 02:29 PMPresumably the local conservatives could also benefit?
Posted by on Feb 12, 2007 @ 09:17 PMAquifer
Presumably the local conservatives could also benefit?
I would hope so, but as mentioned in 1 above these rules if applied to NI could throw up some very odd anomalies and political considerations. I think they would need to be widened given the NI context.
Also they are grossly unfair to independents. Their votes have no value and their costs in standing are of no consideration.
Posted by on Feb 13, 2007 @ 01:34 AM
