Government Censorship for funded groups

[customnames]

Our Group has received this. Is there anyone who could explain which candidates are not associated to one group or another. does this item not declare 99% of candidates as barred from seeking election to the council. Does this tell candidates to become unemployed while actively seeking election. Please read it I am really stuck. for if I challenge it I may be worse off.

Dear Chairperson,
I want to take this opportunity to underline the requirement that Projects funded under the Community Development Programme (and associated Exchequer and EU programmes) must operate on a strictly non party-political basis. Each CDP is funded to implement Government policy and to provide services in the public interest and it is essential that this be done in an equitable, transparent and non-partisan way.
In this regard, the Board and management of XXXXX XXXX must ensure that the identity or assets of the company do not become associated in any way with political organisations or their representatives, or with any individual(s) seeking election to public office.
Where a group fails to satisfy this requirement, the Department will have no option but to consider the suspension or permanent withdrawal of funding.
Yours sincerely,
Clodagh McDonnell
Principal

Local and Community Development Division

[cactusflower]

Interesting and difficult. CDPs shouldn't be hijacked for political gain, but some councillors are brilliant community activists and some voluntary people associated with CDPs would be very good candidates for local councils.

Instead of issuing this scary fatwa, the highly paid Ms Clodagh McDonnell might have put the time and effort into consulting the CDPs and coming up with a fair protocol, so that people know exactly what they can and can't do.

[customnames]

From What I can decipher from this is, You are bound to use the contacts and information you have gather over the years while being part of these groups. But should you ask someone for campaign funding who knows you for your past activities then with the broadness of the letter. Your group could find themselves out of pocket. Even the groups themselves are not allowed to promote or engage in activities to help a candidate even when that candidate is standing on that single issue.
They also appear to be saying because you are being funded you should not need any other avenues to articulate your cause. I do agree that groups should not be allowed to make donations from Gov Funding.