Election fears as president to face spending probe
Civil servant accuses pac of political meddling
THE spending watchdog will next week examine how much the President’s office costs taxpayers.
But a row erupted over the timing as some claim it could damage Michael D Higgins’ campaign.
The State’s top civil servant Martin Fraser is against the plan as is Labour TD Alan Kelly, who said it could be detrimental to his former party colleague.
He wanted the Public Accounts Committee to get legal advice before it begins the probe.
Its chairman Fianna Fail TD Sean Fleming said: “It will be a bit like what we learn under Freedom of Information.
“I think it’s important the information be put out before people go to vote and make their own judgment.”
He added not to hold the spending examination could also damage the Office of the President in the public’s eyes.
The PAC plans for the meeting to take place next Tuesday, a day before the campaign kicks off.
Yesterday its members debated if the probe should go ahead in an election campaign before the examination was given the green light.
But Mr Fraser has already written to the committee claiming the meeting could be “unconstitutional” and seen as political interference.
He also questioned why members are only now scrutinising spending seven years after Mr Higgins’ election.
Mr Fraser said: “Given we’re now in the middle of an election I think the PAC should desist.”
Mr Fleming said Mr Fraser will be asked to account for how and where money was spent but will not be able to answer why or who made the calls.
No questions about the President himself will be permitted.
Mr Kelly raised concerns that no matter how well the committee is chaired, what is said in session could be detrimental to Mr Higgins’ campaign. He added: “There is a campaign going on live at the moment, in the committee next week comments will be made and you can’t unsay what is said, and it will have political consequences.” A recent analysis of costs connected to the President’s Office during Mr Higgins’ tenure showed spending of more than €55million.
Mr Fleming said the committee had received several requests to examine the President’s expenses.
Presidential records are exempt from FOI laws.
As we’re in the middle of an election, I think the PAC should desist martin FRASER Dublin YESTERDAY