ANONYMOUS donations to House of Keys candidates would be banned and a cap on campaign spending will be introduced should proposed new rules get the go-ahead.

Another potential rule would make candidates publicly disclose all the donations they receive, while political parties nominating or supporting candidates - or other organisations doing so - would be formally registered, like trade unions, and would not be allowed to accept anonymous donations.

The Council of Ministers has launched a public consultation on the proposals relating to the funding of candidates standing for election.

The measures have been produced by the Council of Ministers following a report to its Governance Committee from an independent panel appointed to review the issue.

The panel consisted of advocate Seth Caine, former High Bailiff Michael Moyle and former Chief Minister Sir Miles Walker.

The Council of Ministers generally endorsed the responses of the Governance Committee to the recommendations made by the independent panel.

On the question of capping campaign spending the panel was split and the Governance Committee recommended not introducing a cap.

However the Council of Ministers has agreed to propose the introduction of a spending cap. The suggested limit for each candidate is £2,000 plus 50p per registered elector in the constituency.

It is also proposed the Governance Committee should consider allowing political candidates to advertise on Manx Radio.

The consultation documents are available online at the consultations section of www.gov.im

Any comments on the proposals should be submitted in writing by post, fax or email no later than 5pm on Friday, January 21 2011 to Kirsty Hemsley, Senior Policy & Research Officer, Chief Secretary's Office, Government Office,
Bucks Road, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 3PN.

Ring 685711, fax 685710 or email Kirsty.hemsley@gov.im