Following discussions within the parliamentary party Fianna Fáil members are close to finalising a new code of conduct. The code will set out principles to which party members will be expected to adhere and provide for a Standards Committee to encourage and enforce ethical behaviour.
The Fianna Fáil leader, Bertie Ahern, promised such a code at the party's Árd Fheis last year. It is intended to inspire a standard of behaviour based on the premise that no one should enter public life for personal gain. Under the code, candidates will be required to sign a pledge which guarantees that if they fail to be selected they will not stand against the party.
It also includes a declaration that the individual's tax affairs are in order. This is understood to have caused difficulty with some members making the point that it should not be used to preclude a person seeking office who is in dispute with the tax authorities.
On the issue of contributions to the party it stipulates they should be forwarded without delay, cheques must be made payable to Fianna Fáil Head Office, receipts must be given by Head Office and contributions must not be accepted if they are compromising either in their source or their amount. Penalties for non-compliance range from removal from office, suspension and expulsion.
