Áras seeks election rules change over election expenses
Áras an Uachtaráin has asked that President Michael D Higgins be exempted from counting his use of security and state cars as expenses during his re-election campaign.
The State’s ethics watchdog is now expected to tweak its guidelines for the presidential election once more before the final expense and donation rules are published this week.
The Irish Examiner understands that the President’s office pointed out to the Standards in Public Office Commission (Sipo) yesterday that other office holders, such as taoisigh and tánaistí, use State cars and garda drivers for security reasons during elections and that they are not counted as an election expense.
The exemptions come as presidential challenger Sean Gallagher has moved to sever his business interests as he prepares to launch his own campaign to run for the Áras.
The businessman has stepped down this week as the head of a major office building company and moved aside as president of a US pharmaceutical firm
Sipo has made changes to its presidential election guidelines this year so that they also include any office holder running for the Áras. President Michael D Higgins is the only office holder in the race.
The changed rules overall will force the President to differentiate between using public resources for carrying out his duties and using those facilities or services for his election campaign.
Furthermore, where publicly funded property or services — including at Áras an Uachtaráin — are used for the election, President Higgins will have to reimburse the taxpayer.
A Sipo spokesperson confirmed that the watchdog was contacted yesterday and asked to include a section from its 2016 general election guidelines relating to using staff paid via public funds.
This section states that during an election that a taoiseach, tánaiste, and minister for justice continue to be provided with State cars and garda drivers for security reasons.
The 2016 Sipo rules add that “the use of State cars in these cases, including drivers, during the election period, is not an election expense as the cars and drivers are provided as a security measure and these ministers are required to use them at all times”.
It is understood the President’s office made contact with SIPO after is draft guidelines on differentiating between using publicly funded services for duties and campaigning were highlighted by this newspaper.
As of from 10am today, President Higgins can submit his formal nomination papers to the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.
While the other 12 presidential hopefuls must secure the support of councils or Oireachtas members to get on the ballot paper, the President is entitled to nominate himself. The nomination period will then close on September 28.
President Higgins previously said in July that he would be offering himself as “an independent candidate, under Article 12.4.4 of Bunreacht Na hÉireann, when the ministerial order for a presidential election is made later in the year.”
Meanwhile, his main challenger, Mr Gallagher, looks set to secure the backing of at least one of the four councils needed to claim his place in the race.
Offaly County Council is expected to back him after its eight Fianna Fáil councillors pledged support — despite a party commitment to back President Higgins for re-election. With Independents, this would give Mr Gallagher the support of the majority of the 19-member council.
The Dragon’s Den star has also moved to sever his business links. Mr Gallagher’s spokesman confirmed to the Irish Examiner that he has stepped down as CEO of Clyde Real Estate, as well as from his role of president of health company Nutribrand.
His solicitor has also been instructed to separate commercial interests , including shares or directorships, if he is elected president.
Some of the estimated 12 presidential hopefuls are preparing to speak to several councils next Monday. Leitrim, Wexford, Meath, Cork City, and Kerry are among the authorities the potential candidates will meet.
Kilkenny County Council will also meet tomorrow and hear from presidential hopefuls.
