(from Pamphlet: “IRISH CITIZENS, WE MUST EMPOWER OURSELVES!”)
So the matter is clear. We need to end the rule over us, the citizens, by this system of political parties of narrow interests.
They play out a game of government and opposition in the Dáil but on all the critical questions they actually collaborate in implementing unjust policies. This is proven time and again whenever they swap places after a general election.
These parties who have ruled since the foundation of the State know that they are deeply unpopular. They know that people are demanding change and reform. They are even bringing forward proposals for reform but not one such proposal has as its aim the empowerment of the people.
To achieve the change that is required, we need no new law, no referendum, and no reforms as such. We, the electorate, simply have to implement the basic law of the State, Bunreacht na hÉireann, to end the rule of political parties.
We must change the way we elect our representatives to the Dáil.
Bunreacht na hÉireann, Article 16.2.1° says:
“Dáil Éireann shall be composed of members who represent constituencies determined by law.”
We must implement this key provision of the Constitution – by electing people who will “represent constituencies” – not those representing political parties, and not independent individuals who represent themselves – if we want to empower ourselves as citizens.
We must organise ourselves on a constituency basis to select candidates from our community who will undertake to seek and carry a mandate on all questions to the Dáil.
In this way we can ensure that the creation and implementation of policy and supervision of the State will finally come under the control of the citizens.
In this way we can end the dictate of political parties and stop the domination of the State and our lives by vested interests and their private member clubs.
