Communist Party reports rent, books and merchandise income of more than €217,000 last year

The Communist Party of Ireland (CPI) reported generating over €217,967 in revenue from rental income and book and merchandise sales during the fiscal year ending December 2025, according to accounts filed with the Standards in Public Office Commission (Sipo). This marks a modest increase from the €208,767 declared in 2024. The figures, released in recent weeks, highlight the party's reliance on these two main revenue streams, though the exact breakdown between rental income and sales remains undisclosed. The CPI’s 2025 accounts reveal a total income of €227,118, suggesting that the majority of its funding comes from rental income and retail operations. The party operates a bookshop called Connolly Books, located within its premises on East Essex Street in Dublin. In addition to physical sales, the shop maintains an online presence, offering a wide array of politically themed products. These include books on history and politics, badges featuring symbols such as the Easter lily, pro-Palestine messages, and images of Vladimir Lenin, as well as posters depicting historical figures like Stalin. Clothing with political messaging and flags representing various nationalities and movements are also available for purchase. Among the flags sold, several carry distinct political significance. Flags of Venezuela, China, Cuba, and Ireland are offered alongside Progress Pride flags, Palestinian flags, Starry Plough flags, and a Dublin Hill 16 flag bearing the signatures of the 1916 Proclamation signatories. Notably, anarchist flags and those associated with the USSR, Antifa, and North Korea are currently listed as out-of-stock on the party’s website. The CPI’s property holdings, which contribute significantly to its finances, are valued at €1.4 million in the 2025 accounts, unchanged from the previous year. The party occupies part of 43 East Essex Street, where it runs its bookshop, offices, and a theatre. The remaining portion of the building consists of six privately owned apartments. Membership fees and subscriptions accounted for €9,151 in 2025, down from €13,057 in 2024. Total expenditures for the year included operating costs for Connolly Books totaling €135,415, leading to an overall spending of €208,443. This left the CPI with an operating surplus of €18,675. At the end of the year, the party held a cash balance of €207,961, up from €176,743 at the close of the previous year. In comparison to other Irish political parties, the CPI stands out for its extensive merchandise sales. According to the 2025 annual accounts published by Sipo, both the CPI and Sinn Féin generate notable income from selling books, clothing, badges, and other items with republican, pro-Palestinian, and other ideological messaging. While Sinn Féin offers a broader range of flags, primarily focused on republican and Irish themes, the CPI provides a wider selection, including flags representing global movements and nations. Sinn Féin’s 2025 accounts indicate that the party sold merchandise worth €405,612, a significant jump from the €271,222 recorded in 2024. The party maintains retail locations in Dublin and Belfast, along with an online platform for book and merchandise sales. In terms of property wealth, the CPI ranks third among Irish political parties. Sinn Féin holds property valued at €3.7 million, while Fine Gael has assets worth €2.6 million. The CPI’s property valuation of €1.4 million places it behind Sinn Féin and ahead of the Labour Party, which holds property valued at €753,269. Fianna Fáil, meanwhile, has property worth €170,000, located at 75 Church Street, Cavan.