I had to abide by the rules... and so do you Mr O’Gorman
AS someone who ran in two election campaigns here in Galway I am familiar with SIPO – the Standards in Public Office commission – and the role it plays regarding spending in election campaigns.
Last year, because of an oversight, I failed to return my electoral expenses statement/statutory declaration on time. SIPO contacted me reminding me of my obligations, and if I failed to comply I was informed that a file on the matter would be referred to An Garda Síochána. I immediately provided the required information and that was the end of the matter.
SIPO has requested that Amnesty Ireland return €137,000 donated by US billionaire George Soros’ Open Society Foundation to fund Amnesty Ireland’s campaign for the repeal of the Eighth Amendment. The money is in breach of Ireland’s campaign finance laws, according to SIPO, which prohibits foreign donors from making donations of more than €100 to groups involved in elections or referendums here.
Amnesty Ireland chief Colm O’Gorman said he will challenge SIPO’s ruling. I await with interest the outcome of this move.
TOMMY RODDY, Galway.
...AMNESTY’S involvement in campaigning for abortion is totally irrational. After all, this once great organisation was set up to be a voice for the voiceless and the weak and vulnerable. Who is more vulnerable than the unborn baby? One of its main aims was to have the death penalty abolished. Now, seemingly, the baby in the womb is to be an exception.
As a former member, because of my opposition to the death penalty, and who actually met the late great Seán MacBride, one of its founders, I find this simply shocking. MARY STEWART (Mrs),
Donegal town.
Stamp out high costs
FIONA Looney (Irish Daily Mail, yesterday) is spot on: stamps should cost less over Christmas. This would work in two ways: a) more people will post cards and b) An Post will gain their public kudos.
Travel companies could also gain by lowering fares over the Christmas period. More people would use public transport. Revenue would stay the same but a bigger public footfall can only be a benefit to everyone.
GEOFF ISMAY, Waterford.
Meaning of Christmas
WHAT does Christmas mean in Ireland today?
To many it is an exciting time of shopping trips to New York or London. For many it is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, through school plays and attending church and singing in choirs.
But what about the growing number of people and families who dread the coming of Christmas as they are going to slip further into debt?
Instead of being a joyous time of year, it is showing the reality of the widening gap between the haves and the have-nots.
What does Christmas in Ireland mean today? It means charities are overwhelmed with requests for help. The Society of St Vincent de Paul is there to help people in dire circumstances.
Do not let your pride get in the way of seeking help. Or if you have some spare cash, time, unwanted gifts or surplus household items then donate to SVP as you will be carrying out a good deed.
JAMES WOODS, Dún na nGall.
Season of ill will
THE festive season is almost here but sadly we won’t be extending peace and goodwill to our hares and foxes over Christmas.
Riders set off in pursuit of An Madra Rua until he drops from exhaustion.
The sports people celebrate in style afterwards, reliving the thrill of the chase with not a thought for the killed fox. JOHN FITZGERALD, Callan, Co. Kilkenny.