Call for change in law after Amnesty ordered to return Soros donation

The Standards In Public Office Commission (SIPO) has explained its reasons for requiring Amnesty International to return a donation it was given by billionaire George Soros.

SIPO said that under current laws, those given donations of more than €100 must register as a third-party.

The Electoral Act prohibits foreign donations from individuals other than Irish citizens who reside outside of the island of Ireland.

As such, Mr Soros’ donation of €137,000 fell foul of the rules on acceptable donations.

The money was given to Amnesty for its “My Body My Rights” campaign, intended to “stop the control and criminalisation of sexuality and reproduction” around the world.

Colm O’Gorman, chief executive of Amnesty International said the law should be changed.

Appearing on the Today with Sean O’Rourke show on RTÉ, he said: “We will consider every opportunity to challenge this decision. I have repeatedly made it clear that we will challenge this.

“We gave complete details to SIPO about the purpose for which we received this. We responded in detail and clarified the amount and what we were going to do.”

David Quinn of the conservative Iona Institute added: “I will join Colm in campaigning to change the Electoral Act, I am happy to see the Electoral Act changed, but, in the meantime, you’ve got to obey it and not hold yourself above it and there also there can’t be double standards in how organisations are treated as to how they go about trying to raise money.”

A SIPO spokesperson said the ban is intended to protect Ireland’s domestic political processes from interference by foreigners.