Election Expenses Revealed: €400 Bar Tabs, ChatGPT & More!

New reports confirm a shocking array of campaign expenses from candidates in the 2024 General Election, revealing everything from a €400 bar tab to subscriptions for ChatGPT. As voters digest the latest findings, the Standards in Public Office Commission (Sipo) has released 528 expense forms, highlighting how candidates are pushing boundaries to secure votes.

The investigation by The Journal Investigates shows that campaigning costs are steep, averaging over €20,000 per candidate. With at least €1 million funneled into social media ads, experts warn that recent bans by tech giants leave elections vulnerable to manipulation.

Amidst conventional expenses like posters and advertisements, candidates reported quirky items to attract voters. These include branded gilet jackets, keyrings, and even an Apple laptop worth €1,334. The Sipo guidelines allow for a wide interpretation of what qualifies as campaign expenses, leading to eyebrow-raising declarations.

Among the most surprising expenses, Fine Gael’s Peter Roche from Galway East spent over €1,200 on food and beverages for campaign workers, while Independent candidate Michal Fitzmaurice reported €2,039 in similar costs. Fitzmaurice emphasized transparency, noting these funds came from his own pocket.

In a striking twist, candidate Nick Delehanty spent €400 at Foley’s Bar in Dublin for a campaign launch event. His total expenses at various Dublin venues reached €336, showcasing the lengths candidates will go to engage with supporters.

Conversely, some candidates seem to have blurred the lines of acceptable spending. Patrick O’Donovan, a Minister for Culture, allocated €990 for “subsistence” without clarifying the nature of this expense. The legitimacy of these costs is under scrutiny, as Sipo evaluates which expenses are eligible for reimbursement.

In a more modern approach, Fianna Fáil’s Rita McInerney utilized ChatGPT, spending €29.40 on the AI tool for campaign research. Meanwhile, Sinn Féin’s Joe Lynch reported €130 on a Zoom subscription, aiming to facilitate discussions on childcare, reflecting an adaptation to contemporary campaigning methods.

The findings reveal not just financial trends but also a glimpse into the strategies candidates employ. Labour’s Lettie McCarthy brought a nostalgic touch to her campaign by distributing €150 worth of novelty biscuits, a tactic that unfortunately did not secure her a seat.

With approximately 150 reports still pending publication, the current data offers a revealing snapshot of candidate expenditures. The Sipo spokesperson stated that all reported expenses must align with the definition of allowable campaign costs, leaving many to wonder how many reported expenditures will face disqualification.

As the dust settles on the election, candidates are left to grapple with the implications of their spending. With potential refunds capped at €11,200 and many candidates exceeding this limit, the financial landscape for political hopefuls remains fraught.

The urgency of these revelations cannot be overstated, as they highlight both the creativity and recklessness in campaign financing. With ongoing scrutiny from the public and Sipo, candidates are now under the microscope more than ever.

Stay tuned for more updates as the remaining expense reports are released, shedding further light on the fascinating and often bizarre world of election spending. Share this article to keep your friends informed on the latest developments!