What impact would such a democratic initiative play?
The impact of effectively democratizing the country would inevitably place the needs of the people on top of the agenda which would be set by the people. Here is a brief description of the proposed structure of Éire Nua,where we can speculate on how it could serve the people and address some of the high profile issues of today.
Federal National Government (Dail Eireann)
No longer to be viewed as the single house of decision making, this Parliament is the guarantor of the National Constitution, proposed to consist of elected representatives derived from the provincial parliaments and by Free National elections. The work of the federal government is to represent the country and its interests internationally.
Global concerns around health, defense, climate and international peace would be represented by the National Government. Ireland's position as a neutral nation is vital to the common good between nations. Ireland, as mandated, should be an active voice for meditation on conflicts which de-stabilize nations and cause people to flee from violence and poverty.
Provincial Government
This decentralized local government is essential to delivering for the people within its boundaries with reference to the unique needs of its own demographic identity. In terms of economic development this construct will work exclusively on the needs of its population and eradicate the economic inequality expressed by those “beyond the Red Cow” in rural and remote parts of the country.
The social and economic legislation for the region can be constructed by the people in the region. Taxation to develop the province is collected and fairly re-distributed in proportion back into the province.
Regional Boards
These Boards will again be elected positions derived from the district councils supplemented by expert professionals to locally govern in the areas of economic growth and Healthcare and to develop cultural activities in a modern and inclusive Ireland free from sectarianism, racism, homophobia or any other form of discrimination.
District Councils
These will be locally elected positions and will deal with the substantive issues facing people. The decisions made by the government will be made directly by people in the locality, accountable to the people in the locality. The areas of governance that affect day to day life such as law and order, education, employment, local planning, environmental protections, agriculture, small industry, social welfare and social services all involving expert professionals seeking best practice in delivery and ethics accountable to the people at district council level.
Community Councils
These are voluntary councils and bodies representing community level democracy. These councils ensure that all minorities are represented and voices are heard, concerns dealt with collectively at community level. These are vital constructs which can give the locality an input into their own environment.
The National question is dealt with as one of the priorities of Éire Nua,. It seeks the return of the Ulster province to its historical 9 county context. It seeks to implement local democracy, preventing domination of one cultural identity over another. An end to forced reluctant sectarian power sharing would advance natural and overdue reconciliation as time moves forward where the secularity of society and full separation of all churches and state is a reality.
The Health Emergency
For decades now the Irish people have despaired of the health service in the country. It's been run down in favor of increasing the private sector alternative despite ample investment. This is a basic provision of a population and it's been commoditized. Services should be free for all at the point of service provided through general taxation.
Oversight at Regional level by elected representatives from district councils would be mandated to ensure the highest priority and efficiency is delivered for citizens.
The national parliament would be mandated by the regional boards to send delegates to pharmaceutical manufacturers to secure contracts for medicines at the best rates and to establish best practice at WHO level overseen by national experts and national representatives finally accountable to the Irish people.
If we democratize this sector we will oversee it and remove the profiteering middleman. Situations where Irish citizens have to travel abroad for treatment would not occur in a fully developed system focused on care. This area would be a tangible measure of success for the nation.
The Irish Economy
The Authors of Éire Nua developed a social and economic program called Saol Nua which envisages a program of economic development which does not limit the right to private enterprise beyond the common good, and encourages workers co-operatives and national industry. This article does not seek to address this in-depth but does recognize the progressive spirit of it in its social justice merits.
The Irish economy is presently wide open to global financial volatility as it is a free market economy that is an example of the ills of Neo-liberal profiteering and limits government intervention, even beyond times of crisis. There is no conceivable way that this is consistent with the wishes of the people.
A national economy serves the needs of the nation in terms of infrastructure and services. The local economy serves the needs of each citizen in providing employment and services locally. Nowhere are the needs of capitalist profit making companies considered as a structural component of the economic system.
This should not exclude the rights to private enterprise which will create sustainable employment and foster creativity. If people had access to democracy they would cast their say on how the economy is constructed.
It is likely that a Scandinavian style social democracy could be the preferred result where taxation provides for the health, social and security needs of its people while allowing for a regulated trade and enterprise market.
This, if indeed preferred, would be neither an entirely socialist or capitalist construct but fundamentally it is the people who will decide its form. The integral role charities play in Ireland in servicing financial inequality should not be necessary if the economy is built to serve the people.
The Housing Emergency
Generations of Irish people cannot afford their own home. Mortgages in Ireland are multiplied many times in expense when compared with some of the economic powerhouses of Central Europe.
Homeowners have been left stranded in pyrite and mica destroyed buildings fighting for compensation due to a poor regulatory system. 11,500 people are officially homeless, not counting hidden homelessness. International finance vulture funds have managed to take control of properties once owned by bailed out banks, which were then bailed out by the people with no tangible return only vulnerable tenancies.
Few citizens may be aware of the AHB schemes to provide social housing, where up to 90% of the property value is provided by the state, through general taxation, even though the deeds of the property transfer to the private "Approved housing body or company" after a defined period of 30 years. Why not just create State owned units owned by the people?
There is no question that national territory could be sold to private enterprise, foreign or domestic, as in the case of Coillte where an outrage is being conducted presently, as a private British company has been allowed to buy up territory bigger than Dublin for forestation from the State.
If the Irish people could manage the mandate over its elected representatives surely these crimes would be fiction. The cascade of democratic institutions under Éire Nua would make corruption and profiteering around property apparent quickly and thus prevent it.
The Irish people in all its diversity have a right to a home. This would be enshrined within the Constitution. Universal social housing would be made available, owned by the State and accessible to people as per their means or lack of.
The era of private landlords servicing social housing for profit would end. Vulture funds could be dispossessed and people could be homed immediately. Nationalized banks and credit unions should support the needs of the people. Those seeking to own private property should be free to do so by their own means at reasonable rates.
The Energy Emergency
In a democratized Ireland the people would play their part in preserving the natural beauty of the country, its land, seas and rivers. Climate objectives for Ireland must be just, fair and proportional. Green dictates that have effectively made Ireland no longer fuel and energy-sufficient must be examined by genuine mandated representatives of the people.
Renewable energy should be promoted as a sustainable and environmentally friendly form of power. Until such time that this technology meets the peoples needs we must ask why peat and coal is outlawed and national gas and oil resources are not being harvested for the Irish people. Interconnects with other states see fossil fuel created electricity imported while similar sources are shut down here. Local democratic decision making would scrutinize such inconsistencies.
National wealth producing resources like oil and gas and other minerals have been basically stolen and sold for little return and for massive private gain. All these wealth producing resources must be nationalized and wealth produced invested in the lives of the Irish people.
Irish Neutrality
As we have recently come to learn, the principle of Irish Neutrality isn't a constitutionally protected principle only in spirit. We are not signatories to the Hague Convention and we are engaged in various military activities with NATO and PESCO. Despite the fact that the Irish people clearly hold dear this element of our national identity.
A people's referendum is required to put this issue to the people and remove the ambiguity being exalted by servile career politicians who are long removed from identifying as representatives.
Agriculture and Tourism
Agriculture is, along with Tourism, one of Ireland's greatest sources of revenue. Both are highly identifiable national successes and pillars of our economy.
There are currently climate targets suggesting enforcement of radical change in agriculture that urgently require democratic oversight in Ireland. Such global dictates are a breach of sovereignty.
Ireland's hospitality industry has contracted greatly in recent times due to Covid and is becoming unsustainable due to costs. Tourism depends on a vibrant culture and hospitality sector and provisions must be made for their protection. The tourist industry is also under pressure as much capacity is being used for housing people made homeless in Ireland or coming into the country as refugees or asylum seekers.
Fisheries
Irish territories expand far more at sea than on land. Ireland has been badly sold out by a string of governments, and Irish fishermen are restricted greatly in what they can yield in favor of major EU powers. Sadly the EU are policing one of our greatest resources. This is a complete violation of sovereignty and an area where we must re-assert our National rights. If the Irish people fully understood the resources available it would not take long for a groundswell of support to demand change in this area.
Immigration And Social Cohesion
Directly related to all other services such as health, housing and education the ability to absorb demand on the system is an everyday reality that must be answered totally independent from ideology on the issue.
Would the Irish people have mandated the department of foreign affairs to sign the UN Migration compact in 2018 or sanction subscription to international obligations to the EU on immigration based on the health of public services? These questions cannot be answered because they were not asked.
The UN migration compact itself highlights challenges to be overcome where "overwhelming social infrastructures with the unexpected arrival of large numbers of people" is identified.
Embracing democracy is to listen to the people. Is there a risk that they would object? There is that risk, but to ignore it is anti-democratic and foments social unrest.
Ireland has a strong history of generosity and humanitarianism. Ireland's history cannot ignore how Irish people starved to death or immigrated in their millions in the 1800s. There is no reason to believe that our provisions for others including hosting asylum seekers and refugees would be found wanting. Leadership in the country should always encourage welcoming generosity.
Equal distribution of centers across Ireland would be decided by local government. Ireland in a vibrant democracy would be a more equal society. If the Irish people ruled, then the Irish Nation would be able to scale up in accommodation, health and education provisions. Ireland is capable of providing food for populations far greater than our own.
Our biggest issue in recent times has been increasing demand on collapsing public systems coupled with divisive discriminatory rhetoric from the extreme right. If community and district councils represented the people in the community as they should in a democracy there would be no protests on the streets simply because the people would decide on local planning regulations.
Some regions may have a majority more liberal and sympathetic to immigration than others but the outworking of local plebiscites would decide on policy, and social cohesion could be more easily achieved. National policy would be democratically constructed.
Media In A Democracy
Media is fundamentally important in a democracy. When media is privately owned and funded it is not free. State laws should reflect this and such is envisaged within Éire Nua. In an age where misinformation and disinformation creates such societal impact a source of truth overseen by the people is essential to hold all sectors to account.
Conclusion
In concluding this article and analysis and opinion of Éire Nua in terms of today, the essence of it in how it seeks to implement a true participatory democracy would be to radically overhaul the systems of government across the Island. Its authors always sought to develop it further and it still represents today the best and most comprehensive alternative to the failed systems in place and give ownership of Ireland to all the people of Ireland.
The impact of effectively democratizing the country would inevitably place the needs of the people on top of the agenda which would be set by the people. Here is a brief description of the proposed structure of Éire Nua,where we can speculate on how it could serve the people and address some of the high profile issues of today.
Federal National Government (Dail Eireann)
No longer to be viewed as the single house of decision making, this Parliament is the guarantor of the National Constitution, proposed to consist of elected representatives derived from the provincial parliaments and by Free National elections. The work of the federal government is to represent the country and its interests internationally.
Global concerns around health, defense, climate and international peace would be represented by the National Government. Ireland's position as a neutral nation is vital to the common good between nations. Ireland, as mandated, should be an active voice for meditation on conflicts which de-stabilize nations and cause people to flee from violence and poverty.
Provincial Government
This decentralized local government is essential to delivering for the people within its boundaries with reference to the unique needs of its own demographic identity. In terms of economic development this construct will work exclusively on the needs of its population and eradicate the economic inequality expressed by those “beyond the Red Cow” in rural and remote parts of the country.
The social and economic legislation for the region can be constructed by the people in the region. Taxation to develop the province is collected and fairly re-distributed in proportion back into the province.
Regional Boards
These Boards will again be elected positions derived from the district councils supplemented by expert professionals to locally govern in the areas of economic growth and Healthcare and to develop cultural activities in a modern and inclusive Ireland free from sectarianism, racism, homophobia or any other form of discrimination.
District Councils
These will be locally elected positions and will deal with the substantive issues facing people. The decisions made by the government will be made directly by people in the locality, accountable to the people in the locality. The areas of governance that affect day to day life such as law and order, education, employment, local planning, environmental protections, agriculture, small industry, social welfare and social services all involving expert professionals seeking best practice in delivery and ethics accountable to the people at district council level.
Community Councils
These are voluntary councils and bodies representing community level democracy. These councils ensure that all minorities are represented and voices are heard, concerns dealt with collectively at community level. These are vital constructs which can give the locality an input into their own environment.
Issues
The National QuestionThe National question is dealt with as one of the priorities of Éire Nua,. It seeks the return of the Ulster province to its historical 9 county context. It seeks to implement local democracy, preventing domination of one cultural identity over another. An end to forced reluctant sectarian power sharing would advance natural and overdue reconciliation as time moves forward where the secularity of society and full separation of all churches and state is a reality.
The Health Emergency
For decades now the Irish people have despaired of the health service in the country. It's been run down in favor of increasing the private sector alternative despite ample investment. This is a basic provision of a population and it's been commoditized. Services should be free for all at the point of service provided through general taxation.
Oversight at Regional level by elected representatives from district councils would be mandated to ensure the highest priority and efficiency is delivered for citizens.
The national parliament would be mandated by the regional boards to send delegates to pharmaceutical manufacturers to secure contracts for medicines at the best rates and to establish best practice at WHO level overseen by national experts and national representatives finally accountable to the Irish people.
If we democratize this sector we will oversee it and remove the profiteering middleman. Situations where Irish citizens have to travel abroad for treatment would not occur in a fully developed system focused on care. This area would be a tangible measure of success for the nation.
The Irish Economy
The Authors of Éire Nua developed a social and economic program called Saol Nua which envisages a program of economic development which does not limit the right to private enterprise beyond the common good, and encourages workers co-operatives and national industry. This article does not seek to address this in-depth but does recognize the progressive spirit of it in its social justice merits.
The Irish economy is presently wide open to global financial volatility as it is a free market economy that is an example of the ills of Neo-liberal profiteering and limits government intervention, even beyond times of crisis. There is no conceivable way that this is consistent with the wishes of the people.
A national economy serves the needs of the nation in terms of infrastructure and services. The local economy serves the needs of each citizen in providing employment and services locally. Nowhere are the needs of capitalist profit making companies considered as a structural component of the economic system.
This should not exclude the rights to private enterprise which will create sustainable employment and foster creativity. If people had access to democracy they would cast their say on how the economy is constructed.
It is likely that a Scandinavian style social democracy could be the preferred result where taxation provides for the health, social and security needs of its people while allowing for a regulated trade and enterprise market.
This, if indeed preferred, would be neither an entirely socialist or capitalist construct but fundamentally it is the people who will decide its form. The integral role charities play in Ireland in servicing financial inequality should not be necessary if the economy is built to serve the people.
The Housing Emergency
Generations of Irish people cannot afford their own home. Mortgages in Ireland are multiplied many times in expense when compared with some of the economic powerhouses of Central Europe.
Homeowners have been left stranded in pyrite and mica destroyed buildings fighting for compensation due to a poor regulatory system. 11,500 people are officially homeless, not counting hidden homelessness. International finance vulture funds have managed to take control of properties once owned by bailed out banks, which were then bailed out by the people with no tangible return only vulnerable tenancies.
Few citizens may be aware of the AHB schemes to provide social housing, where up to 90% of the property value is provided by the state, through general taxation, even though the deeds of the property transfer to the private "Approved housing body or company" after a defined period of 30 years. Why not just create State owned units owned by the people?
There is no question that national territory could be sold to private enterprise, foreign or domestic, as in the case of Coillte where an outrage is being conducted presently, as a private British company has been allowed to buy up territory bigger than Dublin for forestation from the State.
If the Irish people could manage the mandate over its elected representatives surely these crimes would be fiction. The cascade of democratic institutions under Éire Nua would make corruption and profiteering around property apparent quickly and thus prevent it.
The Irish people in all its diversity have a right to a home. This would be enshrined within the Constitution. Universal social housing would be made available, owned by the State and accessible to people as per their means or lack of.
The era of private landlords servicing social housing for profit would end. Vulture funds could be dispossessed and people could be homed immediately. Nationalized banks and credit unions should support the needs of the people. Those seeking to own private property should be free to do so by their own means at reasonable rates.
The Energy Emergency
In a democratized Ireland the people would play their part in preserving the natural beauty of the country, its land, seas and rivers. Climate objectives for Ireland must be just, fair and proportional. Green dictates that have effectively made Ireland no longer fuel and energy-sufficient must be examined by genuine mandated representatives of the people.
Renewable energy should be promoted as a sustainable and environmentally friendly form of power. Until such time that this technology meets the peoples needs we must ask why peat and coal is outlawed and national gas and oil resources are not being harvested for the Irish people. Interconnects with other states see fossil fuel created electricity imported while similar sources are shut down here. Local democratic decision making would scrutinize such inconsistencies.
National wealth producing resources like oil and gas and other minerals have been basically stolen and sold for little return and for massive private gain. All these wealth producing resources must be nationalized and wealth produced invested in the lives of the Irish people.
Irish Neutrality
As we have recently come to learn, the principle of Irish Neutrality isn't a constitutionally protected principle only in spirit. We are not signatories to the Hague Convention and we are engaged in various military activities with NATO and PESCO. Despite the fact that the Irish people clearly hold dear this element of our national identity.
A people's referendum is required to put this issue to the people and remove the ambiguity being exalted by servile career politicians who are long removed from identifying as representatives.
Agriculture and Tourism
Agriculture is, along with Tourism, one of Ireland's greatest sources of revenue. Both are highly identifiable national successes and pillars of our economy.
There are currently climate targets suggesting enforcement of radical change in agriculture that urgently require democratic oversight in Ireland. Such global dictates are a breach of sovereignty.
Ireland's hospitality industry has contracted greatly in recent times due to Covid and is becoming unsustainable due to costs. Tourism depends on a vibrant culture and hospitality sector and provisions must be made for their protection. The tourist industry is also under pressure as much capacity is being used for housing people made homeless in Ireland or coming into the country as refugees or asylum seekers.
Fisheries
Irish territories expand far more at sea than on land. Ireland has been badly sold out by a string of governments, and Irish fishermen are restricted greatly in what they can yield in favor of major EU powers. Sadly the EU are policing one of our greatest resources. This is a complete violation of sovereignty and an area where we must re-assert our National rights. If the Irish people fully understood the resources available it would not take long for a groundswell of support to demand change in this area.
Immigration And Social Cohesion
Directly related to all other services such as health, housing and education the ability to absorb demand on the system is an everyday reality that must be answered totally independent from ideology on the issue.
Would the Irish people have mandated the department of foreign affairs to sign the UN Migration compact in 2018 or sanction subscription to international obligations to the EU on immigration based on the health of public services? These questions cannot be answered because they were not asked.
The UN migration compact itself highlights challenges to be overcome where "overwhelming social infrastructures with the unexpected arrival of large numbers of people" is identified.
Embracing democracy is to listen to the people. Is there a risk that they would object? There is that risk, but to ignore it is anti-democratic and foments social unrest.
Ireland has a strong history of generosity and humanitarianism. Ireland's history cannot ignore how Irish people starved to death or immigrated in their millions in the 1800s. There is no reason to believe that our provisions for others including hosting asylum seekers and refugees would be found wanting. Leadership in the country should always encourage welcoming generosity.
Equal distribution of centers across Ireland would be decided by local government. Ireland in a vibrant democracy would be a more equal society. If the Irish people ruled, then the Irish Nation would be able to scale up in accommodation, health and education provisions. Ireland is capable of providing food for populations far greater than our own.
Our biggest issue in recent times has been increasing demand on collapsing public systems coupled with divisive discriminatory rhetoric from the extreme right. If community and district councils represented the people in the community as they should in a democracy there would be no protests on the streets simply because the people would decide on local planning regulations.
Some regions may have a majority more liberal and sympathetic to immigration than others but the outworking of local plebiscites would decide on policy, and social cohesion could be more easily achieved. National policy would be democratically constructed.
Media In A Democracy
Media is fundamentally important in a democracy. When media is privately owned and funded it is not free. State laws should reflect this and such is envisaged within Éire Nua. In an age where misinformation and disinformation creates such societal impact a source of truth overseen by the people is essential to hold all sectors to account.
Conclusion
In concluding this article and analysis and opinion of Éire Nua in terms of today, the essence of it in how it seeks to implement a true participatory democracy would be to radically overhaul the systems of government across the Island. Its authors always sought to develop it further and it still represents today the best and most comprehensive alternative to the failed systems in place and give ownership of Ireland to all the people of Ireland.
⏯Pádraig O Maonaigh is a social justice activist.
