Socialist Party abusing expenses?

Socialist Party TD Clare Daly had some interesting things to say about how her party spends hard earned taxpayer’s money (The Last Word, 26 June).

So interesting in fact that I thought somebody should take a closer look at her comments.

I’m advised that the Ceann Comhairle’s office is the appropriate authority for dealing with these matters.

To Whom It May Concern:

I wish to lodge a formal complaint concerning an apparent abuse of expenses by the Socialist Party.

My complaint is based on the following exchange between Socialist Party TD Clare Daly and journalist Matt Cooper on Today FM on 26 June last.

Matt Cooper: But why claim the expenses? It has been claimed that Mick Wallace doesn’t claim expenses, why not follow his example?

Clare Daly: We do accept the money and the money is used for local campaigning, supporting works in our area or community campaigns or trades union issues or whatever and we account for that.

I have checked the allowances and expenses section on the Houses of the Oireachtas website and can find no reference that allows politicians to use expenses for political campaigning or trades union activities.

Yours sincerely,

Anthony Sheridan