RHI scandal: council calls for an end to hidden donors

At a meeting on Tuesday night, Alliance Party councillor Kate Nicholl proposed a motion calling on member to recognise “the corrupting influence which money can have on the political decision- making process”, adding that it was “ unacceptable” that donations to the Province’s parties remain in the shadows – unlike on mainland UK.

As reported previously, whilst donations of £7,500-plus to parties (or £1,500-plus to candidates or branches) are recorded in Northern Ireland by the Electoral Commission, publishing the details is forbidden.

The Secretary of State James Brokenshire has the power to reveal details of donations from 2014 onwards, but has not moved to do so.

The Alliance Party had written last week to Mr Brokenshire calling on him to act on this in the wake of the RHI scandal and the allegations of corruption which have arisen in connection with it.

Tuesday’s motion not only called upon him to lift this secrecy, but also said all parties should voluntarily publish their donations anyway.

It was carried 38 votes to 13 (with the DUP and Ulster Unionists making up the votes against).