Ireland’s newest, and only federated political party, Fís Nua (New Vision), is to hold its inaugural convention and first public meeting on September 11th in the Teacher’s Club, 36 Parnell Square West, Dublin, starting a 12 noon for the convention and open to the public from 3 p.m.
Pat Kavanagh, Wicklow Town Councillor, commenting on the formation said, “Fís Nua is an all-Ireland umbrella federation bringing together those who want to end the corruption in politics and government. We will be adopting a broad manifesto, to which many community groups, environmental groups and Non-Governmental Organisations have contributed, with an agenda of sustainability and social justice. We invite those community groups and individuals involved in campaigns throughout Ireland, to organise together to stand candidates in the next election, under the Fís Nua umbrella, so that a united voice can be presented to the electorate for change in the political arena”.
The Fís Nua constitution, up for adoption, incorporates a new type of political structure aimed at empowering the grass roots membership. The constitution incorporates many clauses aimed at ensuring that no political elite can gain a stranglehold on the organisation. Charlie Williams, Donegal Fís Nua spokesperson commented, “The structure includes a one person one vote at conventions and regular re-election of our co-ordinating committee. We want to ensure that we would not develop a comfortable leadership elite. Our aim is to open up politics in Ireland – not to create yet another dynastic line.”
Some of the manifesto proposals include a whistleblowers’ charter and other anti-corruption measures, the use of properties seized by NAMA for social housing and other community projects, setting a maximum pay level on TDs and extra controls on expenses, the ending of TDs’ and senators’ travel allowance in favour of free bus & rail passes, decriminalisation of drugs with well resourced rehabilitation programmes, free and universal health service, establishment of community councils with fund raising powers and the Aarhus agreement to be transposed into Irish law immediately.
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Anyone, not a member of another political party is invited to join Fís Nua before or at the convention and to attend and participate in the convention. Those who like a good debate, or who are simply curious, are very welcome to attend the public meeting at 3p.m.