Concerns have been expressed about the potential impact of spending by pressure groups at the next general election according to the Public Offices Commission.
In its annual report for 2000, the Commission says there is no limit on the amount that can be spent by such groups once they register with the Commission in advance.
There is a worry that a well-financed campaign by one of these groups may have a disproportionate influence on the electorate.
In today’s report, the Commission says this is being seen as "unfair given the strict spending limits that apply to parties and candidates".
The Commission was established in 1995 and is charged with documenting issues relating to the Ethics in Public Office Act, 1995 and the Electoral Acts of 1997 and 1998.
The Commission feels it would be inappropriate for it to become involved in the public debate about funding of political parties.
It does say however that political parties are mainly voluntary organisations and therefore must be funded.
It says: "Transparency of funding is the vital component in guarding against inappropriate and unacceptable actions following from political donations."
When it comes to disclosing private interests it says politicians and those who hold public office "should seek to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interests".
The report urges politicians to obey a level of observance ahead of what the law requires. However it warns that the Ethics Act cannot fully "address the complexities inherent in the interface between private and public roles."
