The Workers’ Party have called for the introduction of spending limits on referendum campaigns and have accused the Yes side in the current Lisbon Treaty campaign of embarking on a referendum spending spree.

Workers’ Party President Mick Finnegan said it was ridiculous that while any donation of more than €126.97 towards a party or group involved in the referendum has to be declared to the Standards in Public Office Commission, there is no limit on how much individual parties could spend.

Mr. Finnegan said the lack of spending limits on referendums left the door open to American style lobbying where those with the most money would have the greatest influence on public policy.  He added that professional lobbyists were becoming more and more prevalent in the European Union.

“The main political parties in the Yes campaign have already admitted that they will be spending almost €2.5 million on the campaign but there is actually no limit on what they can spend and the same applies to lobby groups who must register and declare donations, but don’t have to declare how much they spend”, said Mick Finnegan.

Issued 26th May 2008