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1. 308 votes

   call a massive protest following on from this event.

   1000 people from the broad left gathered in the RDS is too good an opportunity to miss in terms of mobilising people against this rotten government! Hesitancy has just emboldened a weak government!

   by james o'toole | 59 comments
2. 301 votes

   Stop trying to rehabiliate exploitative capitalism and publicaly promote another social model

   It is clear that economies based upon capitalism are based upon inequality. Mc Dowell recognised this with his "inequality is needed" lines. However it is up to us on the left, those who have a genuine concern with social justice, equality, those of us who dont just play lip service to values of sol more

   It is clear that economies based upon capitalism are based upon inequality. Mc Dowell recognised this with his "inequality is needed" lines. However it is up to us on the left, those who have a genuine concern with social justice, equality, those of us who dont just play lip service to values of solidarity but as seem them core to driving progressive changes. We need to articulate our desires to have communites that are empowered, workplaces where we work that are fulfilling and protect our environment. One were we look at education and learning as more than recreating workers, leaders and an underclass. One where "healthcare" is an intergral part of how we live. In essense we need to articulate that the present form of social democracy/capitalism is broken and unfit for the type of world we want to live in.
   To this end we should have a strategic campaign that de-legitimises the current structures of power, whilst simultaneously having localised discussions and fora to find how we can rebuild resilience into our community, workplace and society, whilst looking forother across europe and the global south doing the same.

   by Mark Malone | 32 comments
3. 237 votes

   Re-enact Justin Keating 1975 legislation on oil and gas and extend this to all OUR natural resources

   What sort of Ireland we wish to live in. Will it be all about the financial benefit to the few or the maximum benefit to the People of Ireland.
   We believed till recently that the cuts are necessary as the country is in a financial crisis but the truth is Ireland is one of the richest countries in t more

   What sort of Ireland we wish to live in. Will it be all about the financial benefit to the few or the maximum benefit to the People of Ireland.
   We believed till recently that the cuts are necessary as the country is in a financial crisis but the truth is Ireland is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of natural resources, Zinc, Lead Gold, Gas and Oil.
   The Division of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources state:
   “In terms of tonnes of zinc discovered per sq km, Ireland ranks 1st in the world.”
   According to oil experts the Corrib field and the Dunquin prospect, are collectively worth at least €400 billion. The Dunquin oil and gas reserve alone could “transform the energy requirements of Western Europe” Tony O’Reilly Junior, Providence Resources.
   Finance Act 1999 set corporation tax 12.5% on the profits of OUR natural resources. In addition a raft of tax concessions are available in some cases up to 120% of expenditure.
   It’s not enough to say “STOP THE CUTBACKS” we must promote an alternative

   WHAT IS THE ALTERNATIVE?

   The re-enactment of Justin Keating 1975 legislation on oil and gas and extension of this to all OUR natural resources
   Among the terms were:
   * Up to 50% stake find in any commercial field
   * 8-16% royalties
   * 50% Corporation tax

   by ALa Community Theatre, Galway | 42 comments
4. 165 votes

   Ending of cannabis prohibition to take money and control away from gangs and to regulate sales.

   Cannabis prohibition has failed. The criminal gangs control the market which means they make millions while selling to anyone of any age. With a controlled market we could regulate the sales, bring in taxes, create jobs, save court time and money for simple possession etc.

   by Brian H | 46 comments
5. 152 votes

   Aim for economic equality to make democracy meaningful

   It isn't possible to have democracy as long as there are massive disparities in wealth. The rich can influence not only elected representatives directly through donations, but also influence society as a whole through their domination of the mass media. So if we want an equal society where people ca more

   It isn't possible to have democracy as long as there are massive disparities in wealth. The rich can influence not only elected representatives directly through donations, but also influence society as a whole through their domination of the mass media. So if we want an equal society where people can have their fair say, wealth will have to equalised.

   by AndrewF | 5 comments
6. 149 votes

   Be Radical, think radically

   Be radical, think radically. Let us have the courage to shift our focus away from pure Economics to rebuilding a lost and broken society. We all need to re-shape our society first by focusing on the specific qualities and values that we, the collective desire to see being born. From new beginning more

   Be radical, think radically. Let us have the courage to shift our focus away from pure Economics to rebuilding a lost and broken society. We all need to re-shape our society first by focusing on the specific qualities and values that we, the collective desire to see being born. From new beginnings leaders WILL emerge – not politicians. Leaders driven by the will of the people, who act with passion on behalf of the people, not with a personal agenda, but for the good of all. Our collective focus has been on money for far too long and it’s not working anymore. Let’s face it, the economy will tumble, will crash, those who created the problem cannot be relied upon to emerge with solutions and there is no outside help coming to the rescue. Wake up! It is inevitable, limited resources mean just that - limited!. The old, broken, distorted, corrupt and toxic economic, monetary & financial systems must crumble and fall away to make way for the new. A new paradigm must now be born. It seems like a huge paradox but the quicker we shift our attention away from money, the quicker we will recover as a society.

   How?? Let me start by suggesting just ONE very basic first step and remember it does not involve MONEY for anyone! This is not about making a quick buck, it is about “how can I help”. Set up a National exchange website. Anyone, anywhere, in any field of expertise, trade or profession, register TO BE OF SERVICE. Criteria for registration – a willing to help someone else, for free! Yes, I did say radical. I register my name and what I can do and how many hours a week I am willing to give. Imagine now, thousands of willing participants from all our the country, from all walks of life, it matters not if you are working, not working, retired – if you are just willing to help someone else for free, that’s all that is required. People everywhere who have a need - that your skill, willingness, expertise, advice or profession can provide – will log on to the site and check the available free resources on offer!. Now, we have things moving again, shaky and uncertain at first, but moving. Energy being pumped back into the system, sharing, creativity, support, help – whether you are struggling with an existing business or starting a new one, whether you need social or educational support services that budgets no longer provide for – there is no limit to the areas of our society that will be positively impacted by this initiative. No one can ask anymore – what’s in it for me. Instead the only question is – How can I help?

   Step TWO: So you need money to live?. But how much is enough and what do you need it for? Instead of focusing on how much more do I need, ask yourself how much more can I do without. Don’t wait on the 4-year plan to decide how to take care of you and your family. Start now, where you need to start. Examine EVERY item of expenditure in all areas of your life and ask yourself if you really need to spend in this area. Be radical here too. Deal with cosmetic and superfluous spending first – just get rid of it. Now look at Insurance, Health Care, Pensions, Banking (fees, interest, credit cards), Education, Subscriptions, Clubs & Memberships– everything. Ask yourself “to whom or what am I distributing my earnings, my hard-earned cash”. Everytime you determine that something must stay and can’t be done without, ask yourself why – why do I need believe I need that. A portion of all spending is fear-based spending, in fear that something might happen, you spend money to protect against it. Get serious about challenging even the so called – must haves! Example, children’s education. Why is everyone willing agreeing to spend money on new editions of school books each year, hundreds of euros when there are more than enough books currently in circulation to cover the entire curriculum year after year. School uniforms with special expensive logos?, just say No.!

   This is just a suggested starting point. Collectively, we have thousand of ideas to share to make effective change happen. We must BE THE CHANGE we want to see. BE IT, the time is now!

   by Audrey Kirwan | 27 comments
7. 135 votes

   Claiming Our Future - The Irish General Election will take place on 28th April or on 5th May 2011.

   • The Irish General Election will take place on 28th April or on 5th May 2011.
   • Values – Civic Society Values
   • Policy Choices – There is an alternative - Embrace the Claiming Our Future policy choices and implement job creation measures
   • Mobilisation and Awareness Raising
   • Actio more

   • The Irish General Election will take place on 28th April or on 5th May 2011.
   • Values – Civic Society Values
   • Policy Choices – There is an alternative - Embrace the Claiming Our Future policy choices and implement job creation measures
   • Mobilisation and Awareness Raising
   • Actions

   Background
   The Irish General Election will take place on 28th April or on 5th May 2011. The reason for the timing is that the Government committed to moving the writs for three By Elections in the first quarter of 2011. The Opposition Parties would have won the 3 vacant Dail seats in the By Elections and because the Government would face defeat in a subsequent No Confidence vote the Government will deem it prudent “in the national interest” to call a General Election as above. Easter Sunday is 24th April 2011.

   Values
   Our Values - A Civic Society where –
   Every citizen can secure equality and justice
   Every citizen can feel safe and secure
   Every citizen can lead a happy life with dignity
   Every citizen can have confidence in the future.

   Policy Choices
   There is an alternative. Embrace the Claiming Our Future policy choices. Think the unthinkable and then act. Fund an economic and community stimulus job creation package by investing €14 billion from the National Pension Reserve Fund in targeted projects over the next four years.

   Political and Economic Realities
   The three largest parties accept the 3% deficit reduction target by 2014. The Government will succeed in carrying its austerity €5 billion cuts/taxes budget. The cuts will fall disproportionally on the poor/low paid and in a deflated economy with no growth then unemployment will remain at half a million. The political fallout will mean an election after Easter 2011 with Fine Gael/Labour forming the new Government. A people’s movement of civic society can molibilise to decisively influence the policy agenda to shape the new Governments actions. That is the realistic task ahead.

   Mobilisation and Awareness Raising
   Build local coalitions of civic society to campaign on the Claiming Our Future alternative agenda and target with a Peoples Pledge/Covenant all the candidates in each Dail constituency. Organise a national focus (Demonstration) and awareness raising initiatives that effectively provide communications and information exchanges for the people’s movement.

   Actions
   1) National Civic Society Demonstration and Carnival of Regeneration
   Saturday 26th March 2011 in Dublin
   Theme - Claiming Our Future – Making Society Good
   We need national events but the real campaign will need to take place in constituencies throughout the country involving every strand of civic society and highlighting the unfairness of the deficit/cuts agenda. Every strand of civic society means local community organisations, trade unions, women’s organisations, unemployed, pensioners, students, youth organisations, faith based organisations and all relevant interest groups (eg disability networks etc). Tactically avoid industrial actions and focus more on winning over public opinion for the regeneration agenda. Organise new groups eg Artists/Musicians for Claiming Our Future. It can also be fun. This is a Carnival for Regeneration not a carnival of reaction.

   2) Cutswatch Project and Monitoring
   Utilising the website to record the impact of the cuts upon ordinary people, highlight personal stories as well as successful local campaigns. Ask website users to share their own knowledge and experience of how cuts are hitting services on the ground from local hospital waiting lists to overcrowded schools/colleges to welfare/social service cuts. Real people - real stories – real impacts – real anger – real actions. Pick one representative Town – Cavan or Athlone and monitor impacts. Circulate and broadcast for information and empowerment and mobilisation.

   3) Local Community Regeneration
   All politics is local. Local social enterprise stimulus packages to be devised utilising part of the €14 billion job creation investment funding. Expand CSP/RSS programmes to employ 100,000 (on a voluntary basis) to deliver community regeneration projects. Target investment in Green Economy and sustainable social and economic enterprises and infrastructure.

   The combination of the above will provide a strategic and disciplined approach that will mobilise civic society to make a real difference in shaping the policy actions of the new Government in 2011.

   by Jerry Fitzpatrick | 4 comments
8. 115 votes

   Reduce the wages of TD's

   During the 1960's, arguably the era when the politicians of Ireland were last in touch with the plain people of Ireland, TD's received a wage that was slightly below the industrial average.

   Today their wages stand at over three times the average industrial wage. As a result of this all TD's are no more

   During the 1960's, arguably the era when the politicians of Ireland were last in touch with the plain people of Ireland, TD's received a wage that was slightly below the industrial average.

   Today their wages stand at over three times the average industrial wage. As a result of this all TD's are now in the top few percent of wage earners in the land. Not only does this ensure that the greedy are drawn to the job it means those candidates which are successful are entirely divorced from the great bulk of the electorate. TD's wages should therefore be reduced so that they are in line with the average industrial wage for the nation.

   There are arguments against this. The first is that a lower wage will not attract the necessary talents to serve the people in the Oireachtas. Given the current situation this is clearly a nonsense. The low paid politicians of the 50's and 60's were far more talented and in touch than those who have led Ireland into its current disaster. Another argument against lowering the wage of TD's is that the job will become one for rich playboys to enter into. To circumvent this happening it is further proposed that anybody with family assets of over €3 million be barred from becoming TD's.

   Such an adjustment will ensure that the people are properly represented by those whose economic self interest is closely aligned to their own. Currently it is impossible for those in the top few percent of wage earners to represent those in the lower percentiles because their interests are diametrically opposed.

   by Seán Thorp | 16 comments
9. 106 votes

   Democratise investment

   We have a system where investment is directed by unaccountable bankers and private investors, yet the decisions which they made were disastrous for the Irish economy. Similar mistakes were repeated the world over. The tax payers are being made to shoulder this burden, yet we still have no say over more

   We have a system where investment is directed by unaccountable bankers and private investors, yet the decisions which they made were disastrous for the Irish economy. Similar mistakes were repeated the world over. The tax payers are being made to shoulder this burden, yet we still have no say over what happens with investments. Instead this money should be directed in ways that reflect the interests of the Irish public rather than the interests of a small group of very wealthy individuals and corporations. We need democratic control over our banks that reflects the tremendous amount of money that we have given them. We should have elected and accountable individuals that sit on the board of management of the banks and ensure that we get investments in outcomes that suit the public.

   by Gavin Mendel-Gleason | 4 comments
10. 100 votes

    Direct Democracy

    Ireland’s political system needs to be changed and its government needs to answer to the electorate.

    The objective of the Direct Democracy Ireland organisation is to reintroduce articles 47 and 48 from the previous Irish constitution of 1922, for the purpose of creating a new platform of sovereig more

    Ireland’s political system needs to be changed and its government needs to answer to the electorate.

    The objective of the Direct Democracy Ireland organisation is to reintroduce articles 47 and 48 from the previous Irish constitution of 1922, for the purpose of creating a new platform of sovereignty, which will exist in an assembly of all citizens who choose to participate.

    Direct Democracy Ireland will field or support candidates, in all constituencies, who recognize the need for direct democracy in Ireland and will fully commit to having it entered into legislation.

    This new structure will be called direct democracy and will entail at a minimum, the right of the people to:

    1. Initiative – Any citizen can collect a certain number of signatures (a certain % of the population), to call a referendum.

    2. Referendum – The referendum will empower the people to veto ministerial decisions or government legislation, such as NAMA, Anglo Irish Bank etc.

    3. Recall – A mechanism will also be introduced where by politicians can be ‘removed’ if they are not performing their job to the satisfaction of the electorate.

    POSSIBLE IMPLICATIONS OF DIRECT DEMOCRACY IN IRELAND :

    1. The ability of citizens to call general elections and bye-elections.

    2. Public participation in policy formation, such as the national development plan and health care.

    3. The possible reversal of decisions to close hospitals, schools, and garda stations, etc.

    4. Public participation in decision-making on how tax money is spent.

    5. Absolute ‘free’ freedom of information for all government documents.

    6. Restructure national bureaucracy to reflect Irish culture, prosperity, heritage and sustainability.

    by Paul Clarke | 19 comments
11. 76 votes

    Debt forgiveness: When homes are repossessed, the homeloan should be cleared / written off

    It is bad enough to lose ones home without being burdened for ever with debt also. Loans are being written off for developers and bankers - the public who are paying for the mess should have the same privileges. Fairness demands it.

    by J Fitzgerald | 2 comments
12. 62 votes

    Address the issues on a 2 tier basis - short term and long term

    Short term- Prioritise actions / contributions which as many as possible Irish people (inc.the diaspora) could make to help in current situation. Mobilise all who would volunteer their expertise / skills / time. There is substantial goodwill out there - avail of it by positive leadership, not negati more

    Short term- Prioritise actions / contributions which as many as possible Irish people (inc.the diaspora) could make to help in current situation. Mobilise all who would volunteer their expertise / skills / time. There is substantial goodwill out there - avail of it by positive leadership, not negativity. Long term - develop policies as you are doing, but where possible on a more inclusive basis.

    by Brendan. | 0 comments
13. 48 votes

    No one in a business should be allowed to earn more than ten times the earnings of the lowest paid.

    by Tom O'Connor | 17 comments
14. 45 votes

    govt controls monetary system & takes credit out of equation

    our monetary system should be based on resources of value. The credit/debt circle is not sustainable. Infrastructure, manufacture, trades, natural resources are. the government should control the monetary system through investment and taxation.
    check out this video, money as debt on youtube. http:/ more

    our monetary system should be based on resources of value. The credit/debt circle is not sustainable. Infrastructure, manufacture, trades, natural resources are. the government should control the monetary system through investment and taxation.
    check out this video, money as debt on youtube. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5352106773770802849#

    by Anonymous | 0 comments
15. 38 votes

    Be A Leader Not A Follower:

    Exit the Euro, devalue our punt currency and invest in becoming the only 100% energy independent, agriculturally sound nation in the world.
    We should build industries (manufacturing and educational) that can attract students and like minded people from around the world and brand Ireland as the worl more

    Exit the Euro, devalue our punt currency and invest in becoming the only 100% energy independent, agriculturally sound nation in the world.
    We should build industries (manufacturing and educational) that can attract students and like minded people from around the world and brand Ireland as the world leader in sustainability and eco responsibility. Think about the massive ripple effects: food industries would surge as nations around the world purchase Irish products knowing they are getting the safest, best products. Regarding our energy, we have wind and ocean like the Middle East have oil. Let’s stop and think about what we have and then use it. Give any proven businesses person 80 billion (bank bailout) and I guarantee this country could be free from energy imports and have a massive food and beverage export business within 15 years.

    by Sean Kivlehan | 2 comments
16. 33 votes

    Outlaw Political Parties

    As far back as the 1790's the great Republican George Washington recognised that political parties were corrosive to good governance and democracy. In his farewell address he stated that political parties do nothing but;

    "serve to organize faction, to give it an artificial and extraordinary force; more

    As far back as the 1790's the great Republican George Washington recognised that political parties were corrosive to good governance and democracy. In his farewell address he stated that political parties do nothing but;

    "serve to organize faction, to give it an artificial and extraordinary force; to put, in the place of the delegated will of the nation, the will of a party, often a small but artful and enterprising minority of the community; and, according to the alternate triumphs of different parties, to make the public administration the mirror of the ill-concerted and incongruous projects of faction, rather than the organ of consistent and wholesome plans digested by common counsels, and modified by mutual interests."

    As the intervening 200 odd years have proved Washington right beyond shadow of doubt, it is time to outlaw TD's belonging to political parties. If the law is made so that none but independent representatives of the people can enter the Oireachtas it will at a stroke deliver us from self-serving careerists who submit to party whips in order to subvert the democratic intentions of those who have elected them.

    by Seán Thorp | 5 comments
17. 32 votes

    Reduce the number of TD’s to 100 divide them into 10 groups of 10, to cover all departments,

    Reduce the number of TD’s to 100 divide them into 10 groups of 10, to cover all departments, Health, Education, Welfare Etc. One person from each department should go forward to represent these departments at cabinet. TD’s are elected to govern not to represent a political party at funerals, lo more

    Reduce the number of TD’s to 100 divide them into 10 groups of 10, to cover all departments, Health, Education, Welfare Etc. One person from each department should go forward to represent these departments at cabinet. TD’s are elected to govern not to represent a political party at funerals, local festivals Etc. they should be proud to be in one of these departments ( why would anyone stand for election to become a backbencher??? ) There should be no extra payment, no car and driver and no extra pension for being in a ministry or representing that ministry at cabinet. Pension should only be paid out after the recipient reaches 65, and then only one pension should be allowed per person

    by errror111 | 0 comments
18. 31 votes

    Extend democracy in businesses

    Proposals to combat the underlying inequalities in businesses need to deal with the power structures. Other European countries have worker directors as standard, and in some countries this is required by law. EU works councils could be extended in two dimensions: by increasing the range of firms the more

    Proposals to combat the underlying inequalities in businesses need to deal with the power structures. Other European countries have worker directors as standard, and in some countries this is required by law. EU works councils could be extended in two dimensions: by increasing the range of firms they apply to (my ideal would be to see all companies and non-profit organisations required to have worker input); and by extending the powers employees have (imagine the changes in income inequality if the compensation committees of the boards of public companies had to have worker directors, and any proposal on directors' pay had to get their support).

    The concept of democracy in businesses should also be extended to customers and service users. That would be easy with frequently used retail services -- for instance, turning all supermarkets into co-ops (like The Co-op in the UK). We should research how we might extend that to other businesses -- for example, if I fly with Ryanair, how can I get a right to participate in the distribution of the surplus the company generates?

    by Equality Studies Dude | 0 comments
19. 30 votes

    We need ELECTRONIC VOTING (safe & secure) so the people can be consulted more frequently at low cost

    Proper, safe, secure, eVoting will allow the people to be consulted more frequently at low cost. We can demote and reduce politicians if we can regularly, reliably and cheaply have our say. There will be no shortage of people willing to create the software and place it into public ownership .

    by HardWorkingEejit | 21 comments
20. 28 votes

    Create an Eco-Economic Co-Creative 21st Century System 4 Sustainable Optimisation

    21st Century Design System for Sustainable Society as a leading incentive for International Nations to collaborate in the creation of a new Global Economic model for Sustainable positive growth, merging Holistic Science into the fabric of our institutional mindframes of global organisations as we wo more

    21st Century Design System for Sustainable Society as a leading incentive for International Nations to collaborate in the creation of a new Global Economic model for Sustainable positive growth, merging Holistic Science into the fabric of our institutional mindframes of global organisations as we work to evolve to the challenges of our life creation.

    by Niamh | 3 comments