Recession hits election campaigns hard

By Catherine Moore

The European elections campaigns have been hit hard by the recession. The current economic crisis means that candidates have less money to spend on their campaigns, as they canvass around the country looking for votes.
Candidates have had to cut costs on posters, leaflets, advertising and transport costs.

Sinn Féin South candidate Toireasa Ferris said that the recession means she had a tighter budget of €35,000, which is funded by the Sinn Fein office. “There is very little money available on the ground...,” she said. “Munster is a huge area and if the press doesn’t cover me for whatever reason, don’t like what I am saying, do not have space etc., and then it is hard to speak to everyone,” she added.

Ferris does however think there are positive aspects to having a smaller budget: “…having a tight budget has made campaigning on the ground even more important and I have found this exhilarating and rewarding. Meeting people and getting such a good response feeds back into the campaign and energises us all. The recession may hit people’s ability to contribute financially but they sure have plenty to say,” she said.

Independent candidate Kathy Sinnott said that she has found it “difficult to fund the election this year, but people have been generous even though it has been difficult for them”.

Toireasa Ferris is currently the only candidate from the South to have a breakdown of her election expenses on her website. Green Party South candidate, Dan Boyle predicts expenses of €60,000. Kathy Sinnott said she will publish her expenses once the election is over. Other candidates contacted had not given a response by time of publication.