Madam, – The people of Ireland need to gain control of the good ship Banbha and chart a new course.
Though of modest means, I propose to lead such an endeavour.
My aim is to start a new political party capable of winning a majority in the next general election. This will be no easy task and we take on the most vested of vested interests – the political establishment itself.
The guiding principle of the new party will be that all decisions will have the good of the people at the centre, not vested interests or bureaucrats in Brussels. This means: 1. Small business will be assisted to help fuel growth as a policy, not as an aside once the banks are filled with our cash. 2. Compassion for our sick and less advantaged, not Mercs for our ministers. 3. A children’s hospital which suits the children, not some other group or vested interests. 4. People will be kept informed, not kept in the dark or drip-fed poor or inaccurate information. 5. Running byelections to allow people their voice, not hiding behind excuses to keep an unpopular government in power. 6. Putting the people’s interests at the centre, not disregarding them until they need to pick up the bill.
I am calling for a new way where the people can air their views, give their feedback, ask for assistance and run their country.
The people’s feedback will be sought out and participation encouraged through new technology, openness and honesty. We will aim to give everyone a voice about the things that matter to them and not just at election time. We will not be a new PDs or a minor party propping up the established players. We aim to change the landscape, to break the old cycles. We aim to renew hope, vision and morale for all.
Changing the political system and winning the next election will not be easy, but with hard work and the will of the people anything is possible. The vision is big, the dream is bold. All together we can make a difference. I seek volunteers, ideas people, organisers, visionaries, expert and skilled people and candidates from around Ireland to help. Political inexperience will be welcomed, hard work is necessary and a willingness to embrace change and think outside the box will be demanded of all.
– Yours, etc,