Quickly skimmed over Sir Christopher Kelly’s report on political party funding, and although it’s an interesting read, I am not sure increasing taxpayers’ contribution is a good idea, not now in these challenging economic times nor ever if I’m being perfectly honest.

Political parties are similar to clubs and societies; they are about personal choice and what a person beliefs in. I appreciate the state encouraging and supporting the political process, especially the smaller and younger political organizations, but that support should be as minimal as possible to keep the process democratic, open and free from state interference plus the undue burden on the taxpayer.

Funding of political parties should always be the responsibility of the parties. They should strive to broaden their appeal and continuously work towards ways to stay relevant to increase and renew their memberships. By relying on state funding they lose that edge and can become complacent.

In an effort to remove big money from party gifts, the report suggested a cap on the upper limit. However, there is nothing in the report on trade unions’ funding or their stronghold on the left! Why is that!?