The Editor, Sir:

As there is a raging debate about public funding of political parties, may I be allowed to ask a few pertinent questions:

1. Are political parties recognised by the Constitution or the Parliament?

2. How long will it take to amend the Constitution or to pass the enabling legislation?

3. In the case of political parties not at present represented in Parliament, will they be considered eligible for funding, or will the terms 'no serious political impact' or 'no possibility of influencing the poll' be used to determine which parties do not receive funding?

I trust that these few questions will inform the aspects of the debate which as yet I have not heard mentioned.

I am, etc.,

CLIVE OCNACUWENGA

gingervalley22@yahoo.ca

Box 83, Gregory Park P.O.,

St. Catherine

Via Go-Jamaica