(1) A returning officer or a person employed by him for any purpose relating to a Dáil election shall not act as an agent for a candidate at that election and shall not be associated in furthering the candidature of a candidate or promoting the interests of a political party at the election.

(2) A returning officer shall not employ in any capacity for the purposes of a Dáil election a person who has been employed by or on behalf of a candidate in or about the election or has been associated in furthering the candidature of a candidate or promoting the interests of a political party at an election.