20. Requirements for publishers under section 31(10) of the Electoral Act 1997, as amended

20.1   A publisher of a newspaper, magazine or other periodical publication must not publish any advertisement or notice in relation to the election purporting to promote or oppose, directly or indirectly, the interests of a political party or a candidate at the election, unless requested to do so by one of the following people:

                                i.            the national agent of a political party, or a person authorised in writing by such agent, or

                              ii.            a candidate at the election, their election agent or person authorised in writing by such candidate or agent, or

                            iii.            a person who produces to the publisher a Certificate of Authorisation from the Standards Commission certifying that they have complied with the provisions of section 31(7) of the Act in relation to the election.

20.2   These provisions of the Act are not intended to prevent or restrict the lawful publication of any matter in relation to the election in a newspaper or other publication, or the broadcast of such matter by radio or television or the lawful expression of opinion on any matter of public interest by any person.

20.3     Failure by the publisher of a newspaper, magazine or other periodical publication to comply with the above requirements can constitute an offence which may result in a fine of up to €1,269.74.