The Labour Party’s links with the trade unions will continue despite a new Bill which seeks to restrict the financial donations made to parties according to Labour Galway East TD Colm Keaveney.
The Electoral (Amendment ) (Political Funding ) Bill 2011 which was published recently, will, when enacted, restrict donations, be they corporate donations from private sector companies or membership fees from organisations like trade unions.
Dep Keaveney said Labour “fully supports” the Bill because, “even though there will be a considerable financial cost to the party, it is our view that the interests of democracy and transparency are best served by this substantial piece of reforming legislation”.
However Dep Keaveney said the party’s historic links with the trade unions would continue despite the bill.
“Labour has a long and proud tradition of working closely with the trade union movement,” he said. “Labour was founded by the Irish Trade Union Congress in 1912. I am sure trade unions will continue to encourage their members to join and become active in The Labour Party.”
