Parties to hand over donor names

Version 0 of 1.

Donors who make substantial contributions to political parties in Northern Ireland are to lose part of their anonymity.

Their identity will not be made public, but will be known to the Electoral Commission.

The move goes some way to bringing Northern Ireland parties into line with the rest of the UK, where donations are fully transparent.

The situation in NI had been different because of security concerns.

From Thursday, however, all contributions of more than Â£1,000 for individuals and Â£5,000 for parties must be declared.

Roisin McLaughlin from the commission said it had been hoped the law would have gone further.

"We certainly believe that full transparency is very important and should happen by 2010, if not even before," she said.

"We will be encouraging parties to publish details of their donations even though we cannot publish them."

The changes will not apply to loans though legislation is expected to close that loophole soon.