The party failed to keep accounting records that were sufficient to show and explain the party’s transactions.

By law, a registered party must ensure accounting records are kept which are sufficient to show and explain the party’s transactions. The accounting records must disclose, with reasonable accuracy, the financial position of the party at that time. 

Jackie Killeen, director of electoral administration and regulation, said: “Our investigation into the Irish Republican Socialist Party (NI) found failures to deliver relevant financial information required by law.  

“The laws we enforce are there to ensure transparency in the political finance regime and to increase public confidence in our system, so it’s important that reliable accounting records are available.”

The £250 penalty must be paid by 3 December 2024.