Transparency of political funding - have your say

27 February 2013

Donors to poltical parties in Northern Ireland are secret. Citizens have no way of knowing if politicians are making decisions in the public interest or in the vested interest of their donors.

The Westminister Northern Ireland Affairs Committee is currently considering whether or not transparency of donors should be introduced.

You have an opportunity to have your say.

Why we need openness in political funding

• We believe that politics should be transparent and be seen to be transparent.
• Citizens should be able to examine financial transactions of parties and be certain that politicians are working for their voters, not their benefactors.
• We need full transparency before local councils take over planning powers in 2015, otherwise a culture of suspicion among citizens will destroy confidence in the system, and decrease participation.
• Keeping the identities of major political donors secret is toxic for public faith in democracy, and Northern Ireland needs that faith to sustain forward momentum in the peace process.
• Donor transparency would only expose those giving over £7500 a year to a party. If a donor wants to remain anonymous, they can give less.
•  There has never been any public evidence that this elite group of party benefactors are in more danger than anyone else involved in politics.
• Threatening anyone because of their political affiliation is already a crime and does not require an extra layer of security. Criminal justice should be a sufficient deterrent.

We have produced a short briefing note with a suggested response.

Please take the time to respond.

Go to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee webpage to submit your response.

A simple letter or email will suffice.

If you want any further advice contact Niall Bakewell or phone 028 9089 7592.