23 April 1998: Waterford Crystal of Ireland, the crystal subsidiary of Waterford Wedgwood, reportedly made a contribution of I 30,000 to the Fianna Fail party during 1997, according to a note in the g…
23 April 1998: Waterford Crystal of Ireland, the crystal subsidiary of Waterford Wedgwood, reportedly made a contribution of I 30,000 to the Fianna Fail party during 1997, according to a note in the group“s annual report. A spokesman for Waterford Wedgwood said it is a “staunch believer in the democratic process” and that companies have a “civic duty to support the political parties”. The company had also reportedly paid a lesser sum to a different party earlier this year, although it did not say which one. Reports say that Waterford Crystal used to give contributions to political parties, but then stopped when the group was hit by financial difficulties. The company spokesman said it has decided not to make all the payments in one year, as this would hit the profit and loss account. Instead, it will make a contribution to different parties each year on a pro rata basis, based on the electoral strength of the party. There will be further payments to different parties next year, the spokesman said. The Waterford Wedgwood group is said to have donated in excess of I 200,000 to charities in 1997.