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AN INDEPENDENT councillor called on elected members of the County Council to help put an end to all political parties holding church gate collections, at the monthly meeting on Monday.

“Members of the public have told me over the years that they have been made feel extremely uncomfortable  when attending masses with political collection boxes placed in front of them, especially in the current economic climate with families under severe financial pressure,” said Cllr Brendan Cronin.

“Their lieutenants stand guard as people make their way into Mass. I consider it a type of intimidation to embarrass people into contributing to a political party’s war chest,” said Cllr Cronin who emphasised that he funded his own election campaigns over the years.

“I believe that church gate collections should be solely for voluntary, charitable and sporting organisations. We have witnessed as a result of the CRC and the Rehab issue, the likes of the Kerry Cancer Bus, Bee For Battens, Irish Wheelchair Association, Build4Life – all those magnificent organisations – will tell you they have seen their funding dry up,” he said, adding they were more deserving of these collections than political institutions.

Cllr Cronin said that €12.9m was paid out to political parties in 2013. Of that, €2.8m went to Fianna Fail, Fine Gael €4.9m, People Before Profit €143,000, Sinn Fein €1.8m, Labour Party €3m and the Socialist Party €74,000.

“There is little need for parties to be outside churches looking for money,” he said as he proposed the motion.

Cllr Toireasa Ferris (SF) seconded the motion.

Cllr Michael Gleeson opposed the motion as he said his political party, the South Kerry Independent Alliance, was entitled to the collection in certain areas of the county and said it was conducted with respect and dignity.

Cllrs voted on the motion where just Cllrs John Brassil (FF) and Cllr Gleeson voted against the motion while 22 voted for it. Four councillors abstained.

Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr John Brassil, said the decision of the councillors will be circulated to various party headquarters.