An Phoblacht Nua

[DO'C]

Movement for a New Irish Republic

We sit a great crossroads in our history and we must finally act to lead this Nation down the correct path. We have faced and turned back foreign enemies in our past, but now we face our greatest challenge, for the Enemy lies within. Our political system is revealing itself daily for the self-serving, inadequate, machine that it is. Our supposed moral leaders lie and deceive with impunity. And most treasonous of all, our souls, yours and mine, betray us through inaction.

We talk of our despair with our friends and family. We dream of a better future when our heads lay heavy on our pillows at night. We feel anger and bitterness at the revelations in the media about the pathetic failings of ALL our representatives.

And yet we sit idly by and make no great protestation.

However, do not feel shame. We have become so apathetic from being worn down facing wave after wave of failed Governments and Government policies and systems, cronyism, parish pump politics, inept leadership and opposition, zero economic management or vision……………………

Our elected opposition think raising their voices louder in the Dáil is all that is required to show their commitment to our interests. It is not enough, it is not nearly enough. They should be tearing down the walls of the Dáil with anger if they so represented the People. They should be dragging people from their homes and saying ‘March, march and show your anger and take back your power!’. They should be lighting torches and handing out pitchforks. But if history has thought us anything, it is that the when the opposition take power, they behave in an equally self-serving manner. If we didn’t have faith in their policies, systems and leadership in the good times, how then can we turn to them for answers when we are at our lowest?

Look to your heart. Do you think you are being represented poorly by your Government? Do you think there are row after row of drones and puppets and narcissists across both sides of the Dáil? Do you think there are better people in this country able to lead and motivate and drive us out of this black hole to which we have been delivered?

Do you say a strong YES to all of those questions? Then do something about it, whether here, or elsewhere.

We are New Republicans and An Phoblacht Nua is a movement for change in this downtrodden Country of ours. The time of the 1st Republic, a Republic with an inept, soul-less Political class shackled to its history, is over. It is now time for the 2nd Republic, a Republic looking to the future, a Republic that refuses to be defined by influences long since relevant, a Republic that WILL NOT, SHALL NOT, CAN NOT prosper in mind, body and pocket under the hand of a self-serving few.

An Phoblacht Nua has only 1 Primary Goal – to change the political system in this Country to put experienced, noble, just, passionate, strong, untethered leaders into the Dáil, in such numbers that real change can be brought to life.

An Phoblacht Nua wants to elect experienced economists to run our Finances, to elect successful businesspeople to run our Trade and Enterprise areas, to elect tourism experts to run Tourism, to elect strong justice figures, such as judges and top ranking Gardaí to run the Justice portfolio etc, etc etc.

It surely is basic common sense, that someone with training as a solicitor, has no basis for deciding how much money you should have in your pay-packet every week. Or someone with experience as a teacher should decide how much you should live on when you are unemployed. Or that someone from a political dynasty, chucked out of one vital Department for being inept, is suddenly good enough to be put in charge of our childrens education.

An Phoblacht Nua will track down and recruit these sector leaders and make them leaders of our Country.

An Phoblacht Nua will do this by using the democratic system we have now, to bring change to the system in the future.

Every APN TD elected will swear an oath to resign his post, if so required, when new legislation is brought in to reduce the number of TDs to a more reasonable and effective number.
APN will change the Seanad system to build a stronger, more independent and representative oversight body to steer the Governments of the New Republic.
APN will reduce the number of local councillors but significantly increase their power so that your elected TDs can focus on the job of running the country properly and successfully, while your local representatives focus on your local needs.

A chairde, we must bring a peaceful and democratic end to the 1st Republic. We must seek out and elect new stewards to guide us in our New Republic. We MUST, MUST, MUST take responsibility for putting in power individuals far removed from the real world and we MUST, MUST, MUST take action to replace them.

We may be nothing but strong on rhetoric at the moment, but if you want to get active in driving change then please come to www.anphoblachtnua.ning.com and add your voice.

[Digout]

This is a fine idea. Another brick in the wall.

[C. Flower]

HI DO'C. Welcome to PW.org.

Are you familiar with Amhran Nua ?

Do you have any policies for how to run the Irish economy ?

[Digout]

Do you have any policies for how to run the Irish economy ?

Once his policies dont run it into the ground we are doing better than the current lot.

[DO'C]

Heard of Amhran Nua, nothing wrong with a fair chunk of their policies but we wouldn't be fully on their wavelength either. Not to say that a number of different, broadly similar, groups, won't eventually join forces.

Bar our primary aim to put qualified people, with proven track records and respect, into power, we have no other stated policies. The reason for this is that we are not policymakers. So much of Irish politics is centrist and is more about which team you support. We believe if we can get the right people involved, not just as TDs but as party members, across a broad spectrum of Irish society, then a consensus will emerge on policy. On larger society issues, policy will be decided through referendum. The reason this Party would be more beneficial to the Irish people is that the focus will be on whats good for the country as a whole, not on vested interests.

[C. Flower]

Heard of Amhran Nua, nothing wrong with a fair chunk of their policies but we wouldn't be fully on their wavelength either. Not to say that a number of different, broadly similar, groups, won't eventually join forces.

Bar our primary aim to put qualified people, with proven track records and respect, into power, we have no other stated policies. The reason for this is that we are not policymakers. So much of Irish politics is centrist and is more about which team you support. We believe if we can get the right people involved, not just as TDs but as party members, across a broad spectrum of Irish society, then a consensus will emerge on policy. On larger society issues, policy will be decided through referendum. The reason this Party would be more beneficial to the Irish people is that the focus will be on whats good for the country as a whole, not on vested interests.

I would always treat anyone getting involved with active politics with respect, whether or not I agree with their politics.

The basis of your group seems to be an anti-corruption drive and a call for a "meritocracy". But any government would have to make strategic decisions about the type of economy and society we should have. If you tell people "everything will be decided by referendum after the election" they wouldn't have any idea what they are going to end up with.

People want to get rid of corruption, but there is plenty of evidence that what they are more concerned about is having a government that they believe has a strategy that will give them a decent quality of life.

[DO'C]

I would always treat anyone getting involved with active politics with respect, whether or not I agree with their politics.

The basis of your group seems to be an anti-corruption drive and a call for a "meritocracy". But any government would have to make strategic decisions about the type of economy and society we should have. If you tell people "everything will be decided by referendum after the election" they wouldn't have any idea what they are going to end up with.

People want to get rid of corruption, but there is plenty of evidence that what they are more concerned about is having a government that they believe has a strategy that will give them a decent quality of life.

I'm not disagreeing with you. But theres no point a few of us, with no real skills in the area of policy formulation coming up with half-arsed ideas. I have my own personal ideas, but when we have strength in numbers and skill we can sit down and formulate more concrete policies. The societal decisions i am referring to are things such as abortion, civil partnerships, children rights etc. Policies on education, economy, employment etc, will come with time.

[C. Flower]

I'm not disagreeing with you. But theres no point a few of us, with no real skills in the area of policy formulation coming up with half-arsed ideas. I have my own personal ideas, but when we have strength in numbers and skill we can sit down and formulate more concrete policies. The societal decisions i am referring to are things such as abortion, civil partnerships, children rights etc. Policies on education, economy, employment etc, will come with time.

Listen, I'm going to be honest about my views on this. Forming and running a political party takes a very considerable amount of time and money and for people to devote that, they need to believe passionately in their vision of the future. If you don't know what you want, how will you convince anyone else to join ?

Libertas tried setting up on a platform of "Transparency and Accountability" without a Political Programme and it just didn't work. The politics of the leader of the party inevitably shaped the connections he made, which turned out to be with neo-conservatives in the US and with the extreme-right-catholic-traditionalist right wing of European politics.
That programme would not have had majority support - the party bombed in the European elections both where it stood openly as right wing and in Ireland where it cloaked itself in bland populist rhetoric.

The only way I can see an anti-corruption slate making any impact is in as a short term campaign for a general election, possibly with independents as candidates. But independents always end up belonging to one party group or another.

Class is a very strong factor in party politics. Parties are located along a left to right spectrum, depending on whether they put the interests of
big business and finance or the majority population first.

There's also an inertia factor. Parties that don't declare a programme for change in favour of economic equality and socialism inevitably end up aligned with the status quo, which favours wealth, banking and privately owned business.

A Political Party without a Political programme is going nowhere, in my view.

[DO'C]

Listen, I'm going to be honest about my views on this. Forming and running a political party takes a very considerable amount of time and money and for people to devote that, they need to believe passionately in their vision of the future. If you don't know what you want, how will you convince anyone else to join ?

Libertas tried setting up on a platform of "Transparency and Accountability" without a Political Programme and it just didn't work. The politics of the leader of the party inevitably shaped the connections he made, which turned out to be with neo-conservatives in the US and with the extreme-right-catholic-traditionalist right wing of European politics.
That programme would not have had majority support - the party bombed in the European elections both where it stood openly as right wing and in Ireland where it cloaked itself in bland populist rhetoric.

The only way I can see an anti-corruption slate making any impact is in as a short term campaign for a general election, possibly with independents as candidates. But independents always end up belonging to one party group or another.

Class is a very strong factor in party politics. Parties are located along a left to right spectrum, depending on whether they put the interests of
big business and finance or the majority population first.

There's also an inertia factor. Parties that don't declare a programme for change in favour of economic equality and socialism inevitably end up aligned with the status quo, which favours wealth, banking and privately owned business.

A Political Party without a Political programme is going nowhere, in my view.

Look i personally could throw out my views and say these are our policies, but I wouldn't imagine for a minute that i have all the answers. I also don't hold a lot of Party's to be very credible, in that they will claim to be strong on certain issues until they get into office and change as advisors dictate.
As a country we don't really have many divisive issues left. In our Government we just want to know that the people there will make the right decisions. Now we could come out with lots of populist ideas, but we feel its about time the country was treated more like an adult than a toddler. Tell them to trust in the Party to make the right decisions and then go and prove it.

But if we can get people like your good self involved, people who appear to have a clue about what they talk, then before ever sitting in the Dáil the country can be informed of what the direction will be.

A few personal beliefs:
I believe we have too many hospitals for a country of our size, i'd favour larger, better equipped centres, with better out-patient care and support.
I believe so many people die or suffer unneccessarily in this country because of poor access to quality health services and treatment.
I believe that not a single tear should fall becuase of stress from the worry of paying for treatment for a very sick child, if there one of our own then the State well help in everyway.
I believe education has to be changed completely - i think it has been dumbed down too much and that it is not relevant for life in the 21st Century.
I believe there is not nearly enough support for the SME sector and that we have the to capacity to build very successful businesses who could blossom into Global markets, with the right support.
I believe this country isn't getting a fraction of a per cent from IT and the web than it could. I would enforce through legislation that every single business or self-employed person must have regular access to a pc and i would direct every possible Government obligation through the web where possible. This of course means getting our broadband network right.
I believe the elderly should be treated with respect and where possible still kept active in society (whether as community activists or employed, but at their discretion).
I believe everyone fit for work should , if unemployed should at least be training or doing community service (not in the criminal sense), to help them maintain their self-worth, to aid society and to move them towards a wider number of opportunities.
I beleive we should take a more active role in World politics because i believe there is, by and large, perceived global notion that we are neutral, influential and fair.
I am for being a member of the EU, but think we are over-regulated.
I beleive, i liked the fact that people considered Ireland a great place to visit but we forgot how to treat visitors to our shore, and i'd like to restore the heart of Ireland to again empart good impressions.
I don't believe in bailing out those who took ridiculous risks, thats the world they operated in then they suffer the consequences.
I believe in zero tolerance and would take all the known criminals off the streets tomorrow.
I would however also be, what i suppose you would call, a social capitalist - i believe in making money, i believe our country needs determined, ambitious entrepreneurs and business leaders, and this can help enrichen us all, but i also believe these same business people should maintain a social consceince that they do not step over the rest of us on the way.
I believe TDs should be tasked with governing the State and local representatives to deal with local issues. I would give stronger powers to local reps, but reduce the numbers.
I believe we need stronger Gov't oversight.
I believe in an overhaul of the public service, but being in the system i would know to start at the bottom when looking for suggestions.
I believe that most grades of the public service should accept the cuts, but i believe there is room for negotiation for certain grades to have the level of cuts restored up and for others to cough up more.
I believe the quickest way for public servants to restore there pay, is to help get the country back on its feet whatever way possible and then to re-negotiate from a position of national prosperity.
I believe, somewhat, in privatisation.
I believe in fathers rights as well as fathers responsibility.
I believe in regulating the taxi-industry.
I believe we should not be a nanny state, equally i feel if there are harmful influences accrued from usage of certain products, then the manufacturer/supplier should pay.

And i absolutely believe that there are great men and women in this country, not already caught in the political mire, capable of leading us responsibly, ambitiously and successfully.

I do not believe our FF, FG, Lab reps put the people and the country first and that is all the motivation i need to spur me on with this endeavour.

Sorry let loose a lot more there than the few bullet points i intended.

[ThomasB]

I like what I have read, with one exception - the Name.

smacks of Sinn Fein and IRA, can you clarify.

I agree with C flower regarding people will need to know what & who they are associating themselves with and what beliefs (aka Policies) they have. In saying that I can go along with the idea that you are looking for support to democratically form a collective strategy and set of policies. I do think this needs to be done ahead of a political campaign to seek election.

It is LONG past time for talking and it is time for more positive action like this.

IMHO I would decide before an election how many TD's would remain, rather than the slight of hand offer from FG where 20 really means 5 AFIK.

[Lapsedmethodist]

Nice choice of posting name there, Daniel O'Connell. Bit passé though, the catholic emancipation thingy, what ? Not really , what's the word I'm looking for... ah yes.. republican, eh?

[C. Flower]

I believe in regulating the taxi industry too.

[moss]

Nice choice of posting name there, Daniel O'Connell. Bit passé though, the catholic emancipation thingy, what ? Not really , what's the word I'm looking for... ah yes.. republican, eh?

You'd think the term republican was repulsive to you.

Have you a longing to be ruled by an hereditry monarch ?

[Sam Lord]

An Phoblacht Nua has only 1 Primary Goal – to change the political system in this Country to put experienced, noble, just, passionate, strong, untethered leaders into the Dáil, in such numbers that real change can be brought to life.

An Phoblacht Nua wants to elect experienced economists to run our Finances, to elect successful businesspeople to run our Trade and Enterprise areas, to elect tourism experts to run Tourism, to elect strong justice figures, such as judges and top ranking Gardaí to run the Justice portfolio etc, etc etc.




This could possibly be the worst program I have ever come across.

The primary goal is just a lot of waffle. I like to think of myself as "experienced, noble, just, passionate, strong, untethered" but I don't think they will be putting me in the Dail. You would need to be in favour of exploitation.

As for the rest ... God help us. Successful businesspeople running things ... Gardai in charge of Justice.

It really is a sign of the times that people think stuff like this is a good idea. We don't need policy ... just businessmen and strong people to sort things out for us. The next step is the corporate fascist state.

[C. Flower]

Look i personally could throw out my views and say these are our policies, but I wouldn't imagine for a minute that i have all the answers. I also don't hold a lot of Party's to be very credible, in that they will claim to be strong on certain issues until they get into office and change as advisors dictate.
As a country we don't really have many divisive issues left. In our Government we just want to know that the people there will make the right decisions. Now we could come out with lots of populist ideas, but we feel its about time the country was treated more like an adult than a toddler. Tell them to trust in the Party to make the right decisions and then go and prove it.

But if we can get people like your good self involved, people who appear to have a clue about what they talk, then before ever sitting in the Dáil the country can be informed of what the direction will be.

A few personal beliefs:
I believe we have too many hospitals for a country of our size, i'd favour larger, better equipped centres, with better out-patient care and support.
I believe so many people die or suffer unneccessarily in this country because of poor access to quality health services and treatment.
I believe that not a single tear should fall becuase of stress from the worry of paying for treatment for a very sick child, if there one of our own then the State well help in everyway.
I believe education has to be changed completely - i think it has been dumbed down too much and that it is not relevant for life in the 21st Century.
I believe there is not nearly enough support for the SME sector and that we have the to capacity to build very successful businesses who could blossom into Global markets, with the right support.
I believe this country isn't getting a fraction of a per cent from IT and the web than it could. I would enforce through legislation that every single business or self-employed person must have regular access to a pc and i would direct every possible Government obligation through the web where possible. This of course means getting our broadband network right.
I believe the elderly should be treated with respect and where possible still kept active in society (whether as community activists or employed, but at their discretion).
I believe everyone fit for work should , if unemployed should at least be training or doing community service (not in the criminal sense), to help them maintain their self-worth, to aid society and to move them towards a wider number of opportunities.
I beleive we should take a more active role in World politics because i believe there is, by and large, perceived global notion that we are neutral, influential and fair.
I am for being a member of the EU, but think we are over-regulated.
I beleive, i liked the fact that people considered Ireland a great place to visit but we forgot how to treat visitors to our shore, and i'd like to restore the heart of Ireland to again empart good impressions.
I don't believe in bailing out those who took ridiculous risks, thats the world they operated in then they suffer the consequences.
I believe in zero tolerance and would take all the known criminals off the streets tomorrow.
I would however also be, what i suppose you would call, a social capitalist - i believe in making money, i believe our country needs determined, ambitious entrepreneurs and business leaders, and this can help enrichen us all, but i also believe these same business people should maintain a social consceince that they do not step over the rest of us on the way.
I believe TDs should be tasked with governing the State and local representatives to deal with local issues. I would give stronger powers to local reps, but reduce the numbers.
I believe we need stronger Gov't oversight.
I believe in an overhaul of the public service, but being in the system i would know to start at the bottom when looking for suggestions.
I believe that most grades of the public service should accept the cuts, but i believe there is room for negotiation for certain grades to have the level of cuts restored up and for others to cough up more.
I believe the quickest way for public servants to restore there pay, is to help get the country back on its feet whatever way possible and then to re-negotiate from a position of national prosperity.
I believe, somewhat, in privatisation.
I believe in fathers rights as well as fathers responsibility.
I believe in regulating the taxi-industry.
I believe we should not be a nanny state, equally i feel if there are harmful influences accrued from usage of certain products, then the manufacturer/supplier should pay.

And i absolutely believe that there are great men and women in this country, not already caught in the political mire, capable of leading us responsibly, ambitiously and successfully.

I do not believe our FF, FG, Lab reps put the people and the country first and that is all the motivation i need to spur me on with this endeavour.

Sorry let loose a lot more there than the few bullet points i intended.

Where do you disagree with Fine Gael ? What you say seems not too far from their policy.

[Lapsedmethodist]

you'd think the term republican was repulsive to you.

Have you a longing to be ruled by an hereditry monarch ?

i was being sarcastic about the name daniel fuc8ing o'connell
who wasn't a republican like most other republicans who aren't republicans either but fuc8ing catholic nationalists.

[ThomasB]

Look i personally could throw out my views and say these are our policies, but I wouldn't imagine for a minute that i have all the answers. I also don't hold a lot of Party's to be very credible, in that they will claim to be strong on certain issues until they get into office and change as advisors dictate.
As a country we don't really have many divisive issues left. In our Government we just want to know that the people there will make the right decisions. Now we could come out with lots of populist ideas, but we feel its about time the country was treated more like an adult than a toddler. Tell them to trust in the Party to make the right decisions and then go and prove it.

But if we can get people like your good self involved, people who appear to have a clue about what they talk, then before ever sitting in the Dáil the country can be informed of what the direction will be.

A few personal beliefs:
I believe we have too many hospitals for a country of our size, i'd favour larger, better equipped centres, with better out-patient care and support.
I believe so many people die or suffer unneccessarily in this country because of poor access to quality health services and treatment.
I believe that not a single tear should fall becuase of stress from the worry of paying for treatment for a very sick child, if there one of our own then the State well help in everyway.
I believe education has to be changed completely - i think it has been dumbed down too much and that it is not relevant for life in the 21st Century.
I believe there is not nearly enough support for the SME sector and that we have the to capacity to build very successful businesses who could blossom into Global markets, with the right support.
I believe this country isn't getting a fraction of a per cent from IT and the web than it could. I would enforce through legislation that every single business or self-employed person must have regular access to a pc and i would direct every possible Government obligation through the web where possible. This of course means getting our broadband network right.
I believe the elderly should be treated with respect and where possible still kept active in society (whether as community activists or employed, but at their discretion).
I believe everyone fit for work should , if unemployed should at least be training or doing community service (not in the criminal sense), to help them maintain their self-worth, to aid society and to move them towards a wider number of opportunities.
I beleive we should take a more active role in World politics because i believe there is, by and large, perceived global notion that we are neutral, influential and fair.
I am for being a member of the EU, but think we are over-regulated.
I beleive, i liked the fact that people considered Ireland a great place to visit but we forgot how to treat visitors to our shore, and i'd like to restore the heart of Ireland to again empart good impressions.
I don't believe in bailing out those who took ridiculous risks, thats the world they operated in then they suffer the consequences.
I believe in zero tolerance and would take all the known criminals off the streets tomorrow.
I would however also be, what i suppose you would call, a social capitalist - i believe in making money, i believe our country needs determined, ambitious entrepreneurs and business leaders, and this can help enrichen us all, but i also believe these same business people should maintain a social consceince that they do not step over the rest of us on the way.
I believe TDs should be tasked with governing the State and local representatives to deal with local issues. I would give stronger powers to local reps, but reduce the numbers.
I believe we need stronger Gov't oversight.
I believe in an overhaul of the public service, but being in the system i would know to start at the bottom when looking for suggestions.
I believe that most grades of the public service should accept the cuts, but i believe there is room for negotiation for certain grades to have the level of cuts restored up and for others to cough up more.
I believe the quickest way for public servants to restore there pay, is to help get the country back on its feet whatever way possible and then to re-negotiate from a position of national prosperity.
I believe, somewhat, in privatisation.
I believe in fathers rights as well as fathers responsibility.
I believe in regulating the taxi-industry.
I believe we should not be a nanny state, equally i feel if there are harmful influences accrued from usage of certain products, then the manufacturer/supplier should pay.

And i absolutely believe that there are great men and women in this country, not already caught in the political mire, capable of leading us responsibly, ambitiously and successfully.

I do not believe our FF, FG, Lab reps put the people and the country first and that is all the motivation i need to spur me on with this endeavour.

Sorry let loose a lot more there than the few bullet points i intended.


Where do you disagree with Fine Gael ? What you say seems not too far from their policy.

I think the clue to that answer is second last paragraph and unlike the politicians I suspec DoC maeans what he says:)

[Murra]

FYI

Emerald Forum Meeting in the Teachers Club, Parnell Sq, 12pm, Saturday, 26th June. All welcome (except messers). The purpose of this meeting and forum is to set up an alternative left/green/social ecology/social justice decentralised Federation - an umbrella for small left/green parties to come together with a view to accessing funding to put forward candidates at General Election. If you are interested in joining our forum, email your details and interests to emeraldforum@gmail.com

[Lapsedmethodist]

FYI

Emerald Forum Meeting in the Teachers Club, Parnell Sq, 12pm, Saturday, 26th June. All welcome (except messers). The purpose of this meeting and forum is to set up an alternative left/green/social ecology/social justice decentralised Federation - an umbrella for small left/green parties to come together with a view to accessing funding to put forward candidates at General Election. If you are interested in joining our forum, email your details and interests to emeraldforum@gmail.com

Is this a room above a pub ?

[C. Flower]

FYI

Emerald Forum Meeting in the Teachers Club, Parnell Sq, 12pm, Saturday, 26th June. All welcome (except messers). The purpose of this meeting and forum is to set up an alternative left/green/social ecology/social justice decentralised Federation - an umbrella for small left/green parties to come together with a view to accessing funding to put forward candidates at General Election. If you are interested in joining our forum, email your details and interests to emeraldforum@gmail.com

Go for it Murra - give it a thread of its own.
You could put it in the calendar too.

[ThomasB]

FYI

Emerald Forum Meeting in the Teachers Club, Parnell Sq, 12pm, Saturday, 26th June. All welcome (except messers). The purpose of this meeting and forum is to set up an alternative left/green/social ecology/social justice decentralised Federation - an umbrella for small left/green parties to come together with a view to accessing funding to put forward candidates at General Election. If you are interested in joining our forum, email your details and interests to emeraldforum@gmail.com

How far left would that be now - Left out siide :confused:

I am more for a mix of both, certainly the right went over the cliff and took us with them. BUT we do not need knee jerk reaction to the opposite end which will scare off investors and business startups.

A simple solution to ht e balance would be that those who put their money where their mouth is and create jobs for those that want a 9-5 paycheck should recieve the reward for this, but the 9-5ers should also get a share in the profits.

This would mean instead of the greedy bankers and developers at the top making multi millions they migh mak 1 or 2 million and the peopel who worked and helped create the profits get a share as well

[DO'C]

For the record none of us have any prior political links, nor any 'Republican' links whatsoever. Theres enough to be done with the State we have. We didn't want to avoid using the name, because 'Republican' has been hijacked by others, it still speaks to who we are.

Again, i will repeat, i, nor we have all the answers, we are hoping to motivate those who do, to get involved or get something going of their own.

Re: Sam Lord
This could possibly be the worst program I have ever come across.

The primary goal is just a lot of waffle. I like to think of myself as "experienced, noble, just, passionate, strong, untethered" but I don't think they will be putting me in the Dail. You would need to be in favour of exploitation.

As for the rest ... God help us. Successful businesspeople running things ... Gardai in charge of Justice.

It really is a sign of the times that people think stuff like this is a good idea. We don't need policy ... just businessmen and strong people to sort things out for us. The next step is the corporate fascist state.

But you think publicans or dynasty offspring or zero life experience politicans offer a better solution? No one will convince me that a respected, top level businessman wouldn't have done a better job in Enterprise than Mary Coughlan - convince me otherwise on that point?

You will choose to ignore what we are suggesting because it suits you. But if you are all what you say why not use your opinion and integrity and get involved. We are completely new, you have every chance of getting your views across.

[C. Flower]

For the record none of us have any prior political links, nor any 'Republican' links whatsoever. Theres enough to be done with the State we have. We didn't want to avoid using the name, because 'Republican' has been hijacked by others, it still speaks to who we are.

Again, i will repeat, i, nor we have all the answers, we are hoping to motivate those who do, to get involved or get something going of their own.

Re: Sam Lord
This could possibly be the worst program I have ever come across.

The primary goal is just a lot of waffle. I like to think of myself as "experienced, noble, just, passionate, strong, untethered" but I don't think they will be putting me in the Dail. You would need to be in favour of exploitation.

As for the rest ... God help us. Successful businesspeople running things ... Gardai in charge of Justice.

It really is a sign of the times that people think stuff like this is a good idea. We don't need policy ... just businessmen and strong people to sort things out for us. The next step is the corporate fascist state.

But you think publicans or dynasty offspring or zero life experience politicans offer a better solution? No one will convince me that a respected, top level businessman wouldn't have done a better job in Enterprise than Mary Coughlan - convince me otherwise on that point?

You will choose to ignore what we are suggesting because it suits you. But if you are all what you say why not use your opinion and integrity and get involved. We are completely new, you have every chance of getting your views across.

He didn't ignore it, he told you what he thinks.

Sean Quinn until a short time ago was a "respected, top level businessman" and he has been a major player in putting this State into bankruptcy.
The Irish big business class arguably have been the main parties involved in the economic crisis, with their inducements to politicians to drop regulation and their high risk reckless financial scams and manoeverings.

To be honest, they are the very last people I'd put in charge of anything to do with the "common good".

[Sam Lord]

For the record none of us have any prior political links, nor any 'Republican' links whatsoever. Theres enough to be done with the State we have. We didn't want to avoid using the name, because 'Republican' has been hijacked by others, it still speaks to who we are.

Again, i will repeat, i, nor we have all the answers, we are hoping to motivate those who do, to get involved or get something going of their own.

Re: Sam Lord
This could possibly be the worst program I have ever come across.

The primary goal is just a lot of waffle. I like to think of myself as "experienced, noble, just, passionate, strong, untethered" but I don't think they will be putting me in the Dail. You would need to be in favour of exploitation.

As for the rest ... God help us. Successful businesspeople running things ... Gardai in charge of Justice.

It really is a sign of the times that people think stuff like this is a good idea. We don't need policy ... just businessmen and strong people to sort things out for us. The next step is the corporate fascist state.

But you think publicans or dynasty offspring or zero life experience politicans offer a better solution? No one will convince me that a respected, top level businessman wouldn't have done a better job in Enterprise than Mary Coughlan - convince me otherwise on that point?

You will choose to ignore what we are suggesting because it suits you. But if you are all what you say why not use your opinion and integrity and get involved. We are completely new, you have every chance of getting your views across.

I do not intend to convince you of anything. I would simply urge people to shun your enterprise. Otherwise they will find themselves in a field with loads of other people in similar coloured shirts shouting "Hail the New Republic!"

[Xray]

Its all sounds like the PDs 20 years ago to me. You have a list of things you want to see happen, that does not really tie in with the earlier idea of trusting people in the fields of economics, health or whatever to make the best decisions based on evidence. You want to close alot of hospitals for example. Have you any experience in hospitals or health other than sitting in a waiting room and reading newspapers about it?

We do not need business people running everything. Let them run businesses. Let health, eduation and justice professionals have the expertise in their area. There is a widespread belief that everyone in this country is a parasite unless they are employing others or directly creating wealth. That is nonsense. A person running a coffee shop does not have the answers to childrens hospital waiting list issues any more than a surgeon makes nice coffee.

Frankly its all to be found in the opinion pages of the Sindo and that worries me even more than the current lot.

Fair play to you for coming up with ideas, but we must be ruthless in looking at want we elect next.

It is time to trust people on the ground to do their thing and stop this ever present PD "we know better" interference in everything. 90% of people get on just fine without the help of some certral power. We dont need a politician to tell us how to do our jobs, we just need to be allowed do it.

We need to do something, jumping from the frying pan into the fire is not it though.

[DO'C]

For your Sean Quinn i give you Jerry Kenneally of Stockbyte fame, a man who is doing tons of work to promote entreneurship and innovation in the young in Kerry, eventhough he made millions from his Stockbyte firm. I'd have no problem putting him in as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and its not like money is an issue for him.

You use very strong vocabulary and labels to dismiss what we are trying to do, when at the base of what we are saying is that current political system bad, new one potential to be good. And of course, fine, you are entitled to your opinion and at least you are willing to engage.

But i'll re-iterate, all we are are a bunch of lads from Cork, some who have lost jobs, others who have their pay drastically reduced, lads who enjoy their couple of pints when the wives allow, lads big into their sport, lads who up until a few months ago barely mentioned politics around the high table and lads who decided to see if they couldn't come up with better options to run this country than whats on offer. We have no previous, we have no big ideological leanings, we just call it as we see it and we are completely open to argument. People can go looking to put labels on us, but when push comes to shove we're not saying much different to what a lot of people are saying.

[DO'C]

Its all sounds like the PDs 20 years ago to me. You have a list of things you want to see happen, that does not really tie in with the earlier idea of trusting people in the fields of economics, health or whatever to make the best decisions based on evidence. You want to close alot of hospitals for example. Have you any experience in hospitals or health other than sitting in a waiting room and reading newspapers about it?

We do not need business people running everything. Let them run businesses. Let health, eduation and justice professionals have the expertise in their area. There is a widespread belief that everyone in this country is a parasite unless they are employing others or directly creating wealth. That is nonsense. A person running a coffee shop does not have the answers to childrens hospital waiting list issues any more than a surgeon makes nice coffee.

Frankly its all to be found in the opinion pages of the Sindo and that worries me even more than the current lot.

Fair play to you for coming up with ideas, but we must be ruthless in looking at want we elect next.

It is time to trust people on the ground to do their thing and stop this ever present PD "we know better" interference in everything. 90% of people get on just fine without the help of some certral power. We dont need a politician to tell us how to do our jobs, we just need to be allowed do it.

We need to do something, jumping from the frying pan into the fire is not it though.


Sigh, no not a bit of experience in health, other than watching my da and a couple of relations go through their own cancer treatments, child health problems etc. And as i've said, i don't have the answers, i don't claim too, i have no intention of pushing my own agenda, those were just my personal observations based on my experiences, i just support the notion that i believe there are people in this country who do have answers and while i wouldn't be slow to give my own opinion i will back the consensus, well as long as its not completely barmy.

I will not be a Party Leader, i would never run myself, nor would any of us that are behind this, we just want to motivate action along the lines of getting fresh thinkers, who will put the people and country first, before playing any politics or outside pressure, into office.

ps i never said business leaders should run everything, i said sector leaders and experts.

[Sam Lord]

But i'll re-iterate, all we are are a bunch of lads from Cork, some who have lost jobs, others who have their pay drastically reduced, lads who enjoy their couple of pints when the wives allow, lads big into their sport, lads who up until a few months ago barely mentioned politics around the high table and lads who decided to see if they couldn't come up with better options to run this country than whats on offer. We have no previous, we have no big ideological leanings, we just call it as we see it and we are completely open to argument. People can go looking to put labels on us, but when push comes to shove we're not saying much different to what a lot of people are saying.

[a] You have no understanding of the State

[b] You have all apparently had your eyes closed for the last three decades.

Businesspeople do not want to run the country. They want to run their businesses and make money. That is why they have politicians to run the country for them.

You do not like corrupt politicians but who has been filling their backpockets with pounds and euros for decades ? How did Charles Haughey become an Emperor? Who gave blank cheque Bertie a digout?

Answer: Businesspeople.

Now you want to find businesspeople with integrity who will work for the common good. Impossible. I have never seen a businessperson who will not try to have things arranged to their benefit personally or to their class generally. This is not because they are evil people ... many are probably very kind and personable and will give to charity etc. It is because of how they are ideologically constituted. They identify the interests of capitalism (i.e their interests) with that of the nation. What is good for them is good for the country ....

[DO'C]

[a] You have no understanding of the State

You have all apparently had your eyes closed for the last three decades.

Businesspeople do not want to run the country. They want to run their businesses and make money. That is why they have politicians to run the country for them.

You do not like corrupt politicians but who has been filling their backpockets with pounds and euros for decades ? How did Charles Haughey become an Emperor? Who gave blank cheque Bertie a digout?

Answer: Businesspeople.

Now you want to find businesspeople with integrity who will work for the common good. Impossible. I have never seen a businessperson who will not try to have things arranged to their benefit personally or to their class generally. This is not because they are evil people ... many are probably very kind and personable and will give to charity etc. It is because of how they are ideologically constituted. They identify the interests of capitalism (i.e their interests) with that of the nation. What is good for them is good for the country ....

God have mercy on me, we're not talking about finding 90 business leaders and putting them in the Dail, but its a good start for the [B]Enterprise brief to have people who know of what they speak - i refer again to Jerry Kenneally, a man who ploughing his time and knowledge back into his community. And there are more of his ilk out there.

You have not answered the question i put to you about whether Mary Coughlan was a better option for Dept. of Enterprise, Trade and Employment than what we propose for Enterprise? And if yes, i would be grateful if you could expand on your answer?

Or if we look at the alternative, Mr Varadkar - studied Medicine, still 'finishing' his PostGrad in General Practicioning apparently and who's most recent post currently on his website is calling on Fingal County Council to spend €2.7m it has in the bank to build a park in Tyrellstown - maybe a job centre or a training centre would make for better use of that money? And he no doubt is an intelligent man, he has the points to prove it, but he has no experience at job creation, no experience of the SME world and his manner, while fine for an oppostion member, is not of a type you'd expect could charm a few hundred jobs off some foreign business.

We should expect more from our elected leaders.

[Edo]

I take my hat off to anybody of whatever political persuasion who is prepared to get off the ditch and put their money and time where their mouths are.

Good luck with your new venture DO'C

the time for proper criticism will come later when the idea moves from planning to doing.

[Xray]

God have mercy on me, we're not talking about finding 90 business leaders and putting them in the Dail, but its a good start for the Enterprise brief to have people who know of what they speak - i refer again to Jerry Kenneally, a man who ploughing his time and knowledge back into his community. And there are more of his ilk out there.

You have not answered the question i put to you about whether Mary Coughlan was a better option for Dept. of Enterprise, Trade and Employment than what we propose for Enterprise? And if yes, i would be grateful if you could expand on your answer?

Or if we look at the alternative, Mr Varadkar - studied Medicine, still 'finishing' his PostGrad in General Practicioning apparently and who's most recent post currently on his website is calling on Fingal County Council to spend €2.7m it has in the bank to build a park in Tyrellstown - maybe a job centre or a training centre would make for better use of that money? And he no doubt is an intelligent man, he has the points to prove it, but he has no experience at job creation, no experience of the SME world and his manner, while fine for an oppostion member, is not of a type you'd expect could charm a few hundred jobs off some foreign business.

We should expect more from our elected leaders.

I suggest the best route to what you seem to be suggesting is a directly elected executive like the USA with a very strong separate parliament and separate again local reps for local issues.
The executive could then appoint whoever they want to key positions and keep TDs out of it altogether. The Dail could have power of re-call to put an un-popular leadership before the electorate if required.

This results in a very strong executive that is held to account and that have huge legitimacy in the eyes of the governed. Currently we have weak, unaccountable, unpopular, ineffective and locally focused national politicians. People no longer believe in the country.

A self selected cabinet of "business people" or "experts" is a non runner. We don't trust of like them. We want leadership and someone we trust. If we found that person we would follow him or her to hell if required and would like them kicking arse. Look at the new regulator, he is great.

The failures in the private sector have been amazing in scale and seriousness. I suggest business people perfect business before lecturing anyone one else again.

If we really believed in democracy the Taoiseach woudl be the one elected by us not the President. Think about it, nobody ever cast a vote for our current leader in any sense at all. That's democracy apparently. In England they would not have tolerated this.

[Sam Lord]

The Dail could have power of re-call to put an un-popular leadership before the electorate if required.




Why should the electorate not have the right of recall? It is something that has always irritated me .... politicians running on one platform and then implementing something entirely different when elected.

[Xray]

Why should the electorate not have the right of recall? It is something that has always irritated me .... politicians running on one platform and then implementing something entirely different when elected.

Sure why not, if you collect 100,000 names or whatever, but you don't want a situation where they cant run the place because there is an election every 6 weeks etc. Maybe give local councils some power of recall also over the Dail or executive. We really need to start with a blank sheet of paper. We have a West minster system here, but it is much much worse than the British one. We need a new model based on the best available abroad.

Good suggestion on the recall.

[ThomasB]

Why should the electorate not have the right of recall? It is something that has always irritated me .... politicians running on one platform and then implementing something entirely different when elected.


Sure why not, if you collect 100,000 names or whatever, but you don't want a situation where they cant run the place because there is an election every 6 weeks etc. Maybe give local councils some power of recall also over the Dail or executive. We really need to start with a blank sheet of paper. We have a West minster system here, but it is much much worse than the British one. We need a new model based on the best available abroad.

Good suggestion on the recall.

I don't think you need worry about 100,000 Irish people cooperating together every 6 weeks :o

Was there something in the constituion about getting enough signatures to call an election, but was it taken out ?

I do think that if enough public opinion can be gathered then it is obvious the sitting givernment are not competent. We need a mechanism that punishes and creates an incentive to do the right thing, because like it or not people will do what they can get away wiith or blame somone else for

[Xray]

I don't think you need worry about 100,000 Irish people cooperating together every 6 weeks :o

Was there something in the constituion about getting enough signatures to call an election, but was it taken out ?

I do think that if enough public opinion can be gathered then it is obvious the sitting givernment are not competent. We need a mechanism that punishes and creates an incentive to do the right thing, because like it or not people will do what they can get away wiith or blame somone else for

That's easy, make political corruption illegal and treason illegal with minimum sentences. Hanging would be OK by me in some cases, but a hefty jail sentence would do.

Put someone from abroad in charge of enforcing it. Make it a constitutional role that cannot be altered by the government. They get away we absolute murder and have done for years, from quangos to councils no rules exist and if the do they are not applied.

Anyone that breeches an oath deserves no sympathy at all. They threw someone out of the Navy a few days ago for sharing some info. We have people in this country that took similar oaths that were paid a lot more and did a lot worse. Their pensions are secure. That is not a recipe for a healthy future.

[C. Flower]

There are so many little political acorns, of various colours, being planted, that I am asking myself if any of the main parties will still exist, other than in rump form, in ten years time.

[ThomasB]

That's easy, make political corruption illegal and treason illegal with minimum sentences. Hanging would be OK by me in some cases, but a hefty jail sentence would do.

Put someone from abroad in charge of enforcing it. Make it a constitutional role that cannot be altered by the government. They get away we absolute murder and have done for years, from quangos to councils no rules exist and if the do they are not applied.

Anyone that breeches an oath deserves no sympathy at all. They threw someone out of the Navy a few days ago for sharing some info. We have people in this country that took similar oaths that were paid a lot more and did a lot worse. Their pensions are secure. That is not a recipe for a healthy future.

Sad but true, and every day that goes by more and more is happening. (not sure I'd agree with hanging, but I share your frustration) :mad:


There are so many little political acorns, of various colours, being planted, that I am asking myself if any of the main parties will still exist, other than in rump form, in ten years time.

One can live in hope :D

[ThomasB]

Hey DOC !!

Do you only work 9-5 Monday to Friday :)

Won't take over the world, let alone the Irish Electorate that way ;)

[DO'C]

Hey DOC !!

Do you only work 9-5 Monday to Friday :)

Won't take over the world, let alone the Irish Electorate that way ;)

Practicing for when in power, usually take Thursdays off too.

Bit of a crisis of confidence at the weekend. We are planning on going another route, particularly as time seems to be on our hands. Planning a local gathering, see what kind of turnout it gets and take it from there. Move on to another town in our Constituency and so on. Also trying to put a database of guiding lights together but hard to determine who would fit the bill.

[C. Flower]

Practicing for when in power, usually take Thursdays off too.

Bit of a crisis of confidence at the weekend. We are planning on going another route, particularly as time seems to be on our hands. Planning a local gathering, see what kind of turnout it gets and take it from there. Move on to another town in our Constituency and so on. Also trying to put a database of guiding lights together but hard to determine who would fit the bill.


That seems to be the tried and tested way of starting a political organisation.

But its not guiding lights you need, its a poltical programme that you believe in.

The "Great Leader" approach has a bad history.

[Xray]

Try something anyway, I dont think I will be voting for you, but I would welcome some fresh blood and ideas.

[DO'C]

That seems to be the tried and tested way of starting a political organisation.

But its not guiding lights you need, its a poltical programme that you believe in.

The "Great Leader" approach has a bad history.

I'd rather trash out the programme with a larger, more diverse pool than we have going at the moment. Till then, its about getting people, looking for an alternative, on board.

Thats fair enough XRay.

[C. Flower]

I'd rather trash out the programme with a larger, more diverse pool than we have going at the moment. Till then, its about getting people, looking for an alternative, on board.

Thats fair enough XRay.

You're welcome to keep trashing it out around here.

[Ah Well]

Movement for a New Irish Republic

We sit a great crossroads in our history and we must finally act to lead this Nation down the correct path. We have faced and turned back foreign enemies in our past, but now we face our greatest challenge, for the Enemy lies within. Our political system is revealing itself daily for the self-serving, inadequate, machine that it is. Our supposed moral leaders lie and deceive with impunity. And most treasonous of all, our souls, yours and mine, betray us through inaction.

We talk of our despair with our friends and family. We dream of a better future when our heads lay heavy on our pillows at night. We feel anger and bitterness at the revelations in the media about the pathetic failings of ALL our representatives.

And yet we sit idly by and make no great protestation.

However, do not feel shame. We have become so apathetic from being worn down facing wave after wave of failed Governments and Government policies and systems, cronyism, parish pump politics, inept leadership and opposition, zero economic management or vision……………………

Our elected opposition think raising their voices louder in the Dáil is all that is required to show their commitment to our interests. It is not enough, it is not nearly enough. They should be tearing down the walls of the Dáil with anger if they so represented the People. They should be dragging people from their homes and saying ‘March, march and show your anger and take back your power!’. They should be lighting torches and handing out pitchforks. But if history has thought us anything, it is that the when the opposition take power, they behave in an equally self-serving manner. If we didn’t have faith in their policies, systems and leadership in the good times, how then can we turn to them for answers when we are at our lowest?

Look to your heart. Do you think you are being represented poorly by your Government? Do you think there are row after row of drones and puppets and narcissists across both sides of the Dáil? Do you think there are better people in this country able to lead and motivate and drive us out of this black hole to which we have been delivered?

Do you say a strong YES to all of those questions? Then do something about it, whether here, or elsewhere.

We are New Republicans and An Phoblacht Nua is a movement for change in this downtrodden Country of ours. The time of the 1st Republic, a Republic with an inept, soul-less Political class shackled to its history, is over. It is now time for the 2nd Republic, a Republic looking to the future, a Republic that refuses to be defined by influences long since relevant, a Republic that WILL NOT, SHALL NOT, CAN NOT prosper in mind, body and pocket under the hand of a self-serving few.

An Phoblacht Nua has only 1 Primary Goal – to change the political system in this Country to put experienced, noble, just, passionate, strong, untethered leaders into the Dáil, in such numbers that real change can be brought to life.

An Phoblacht Nua wants to elect experienced economists to run our Finances, to elect successful businesspeople to run our Trade and Enterprise areas, to elect tourism experts to run Tourism, to elect strong justice figures, such as judges and top ranking Gardaí to run the Justice portfolio etc, etc etc.

It surely is basic common sense, that someone with training as a solicitor, has no basis for deciding how much money you should have in your pay-packet every week. Or someone with experience as a teacher should decide how much you should live on when you are unemployed. Or that someone from a political dynasty, chucked out of one vital Department for being inept, is suddenly good enough to be put in charge of our childrens education.

An Phoblacht Nua will track down and recruit these sector leaders and make them leaders of our Country.

An Phoblacht Nua will do this by using the democratic system we have now, to bring change to the system in the future.

Every APN TD elected will swear an oath to resign his post, if so required, when new legislation is brought in to reduce the number of TDs to a more reasonable and effective number.
APN will change the Seanad system to build a stronger, more independent and representative oversight body to steer the Governments of the New Republic.
APN will reduce the number of local councillors but significantly increase their power so that your elected TDs can focus on the job of running the country properly and successfully, while your local representatives focus on your local needs.

A chairde, we must bring a peaceful and democratic end to the 1st Republic. We must seek out and elect new stewards to guide us in our New Republic. We MUST, MUST, MUST take responsibility for putting in power individuals far removed from the real world and we MUST, MUST, MUST take action to replace them.

We may be nothing but strong on rhetoric at the moment, but if you want to get active in driving change then please come to www.anphoblachtnua.ning.com and add your voice.

Have you folks any plans of shacking up with this Emerald Forum scenario?

[DO'C]

Wouldn't say no out of hand, talking about heading up to the next meeting for a look see. Will wait to see how its demographics develop. We're still a bar stool operation at this stage anyway, long way to go to be of use yet.

[Ah Well]

Wouldn't say no out of hand, talking about heading up to the next meeting for a look see. Will wait to see how its demographics develop. We're still a bar stool operation at this stage anyway, long way to go to be of use yet.

Fair enough, comprehensive enough answer there :)

[ThomasB]

Wouldn't say no out of hand, talking about heading up to the next meeting for a look see. Will wait to see how its demographics develop. We're still a bar stool operation at this stage anyway, long way to go to be of use yet.

Oh god help us, Bar stool Experts :eek::eek::eek::eek:

I think you should hand over to Emerald forum, at least they don't meet in a PUB :eek:

[simonj]

Heard of Amhran Nua, nothing wrong with a fair chunk of their policies but we wouldn't be fully on their wavelength either. Not to say that a number of different, broadly similar, groups, won't eventually join forces.

Bar our primary aim to put qualified people, with proven track records and respect, into power, we have no other stated policies. The reason for this is that we are not policymakers. So much of Irish politics is centrist and is more about which team you support. We believe if we can get the right people involved, not just as TDs but as party members, across a broad spectrum of Irish society, then a consensus will emerge on policy. On larger society issues, policy will be decided through referendum. The reason this Party would be more beneficial to the Irish people is that the focus will be on whats good for the country as a whole, not on vested interests.

Maybe the wavelength is not identical, but you will find the same aspects within FG (a social/christian democratic highbryd) and Labour (LP/DL/WP)

Politics is essentially a compromise to achieve the best outcome.

All I can say is that we have no new ideas coming from FG and Labour, and if opposition to the current system is fragmented, it will never beat the established vested intrests

[Christy Walsh]

We may be nothing but strong on rhetoric at the moment, ....
That kind of honesty is not exactly the type of change most people want. When your "rhetoric" has been stripped from your post we are just left with a link to a website??

[PES activist]

This could possibly be the worst program I have ever come across ...

As for the rest ... God help us. Successful businesspeople running things ... Gardai in charge of Justice.

It really is a sign of the times that people think stuff like this is a good idea. We don't need policy ... just businessmen and strong people to sort things out for us. The next step is the corporate fascist state.

Michael O'Leary in charge of transport policy. Fingers in charge of economic policy! Or maybe one of those wealthy tax deserters in charge of the Dept of Finance. Doesn't bear thinking about.

[Kev Bar]

You'd think the term republican was repulsive to you.

Have you a longing to be ruled by an hereditry monarch ?

A man's knees gotta hit the ground sometimes.

[Trow]

A man's knees gotta hit the ground sometimes.

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[Trow]

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Why'd you edit this?

[Design for Life]

I believe in regulating the taxi industry too.

I thought we had a taxi regulator for that :confused:....