A NEW citizens’ political initiative is aiming to connect the voice of the public with politics in Northern Ireland.
Platform for Change believes the public has a hunger for a positive political agenda which looks forward, as opposed to “endlessly replaying arguments linked to Northern Ireland’s Troubles”.
Platform chairman Robin Wilson described it as a non-party and cross-party campaign for a new political agenda for the North.
“It is also about a new way of doing politics, which encourages individual citizens to participate rather than leaving them feeling frustrated and alienated,” he said.
After months of discussion of key issues, Platform for Change outlined policy proposals at its official launch in Belfast yesterday.
The venture is being supported by well-known figures from the worlds of sport, arts, charity and business.
Keith Crossan, former rugby player for Ulster and Ireland, trade union official Tony McMullen, Bill Jeffrey who owns a number of businesses in Belfast, the writer and commentator Edna Longley and her husband Michael all attended the launch. Catherine McCartney, sister of murder victim Robert McCartney, has given her support to the venture.