Write a commentA Cafe conversation to encourage debate about what it means to be a true citizen and how to achieve this through the process of consensus politics, confidence building and peace and reconciliation takes place in February in Newry.
The event is the brain child of local man Francis Gallagher, founder of the New Ireland Vision group and Guest Speaker will be Dr. Martin Alioth, UK and Ireland correspondent for Swiss National Radio.
Dr Alioth will give a presentation on the Swiss confederal political system of participatory democracy and those present will have the opportunity to ask questions as well as discussing their vision for a new Ireland.
Commenting on the rationale behind the project Mr. Gallagher said "Many people feel marginalised by what passes for government in both jurisdictions on the island of Ireland. For example: in Newry and Downpatrick, thousands of people attended rallies to prevent the stripping of acute services and the under-resourcing of Daisy Hill and Downpatrick Hospitals. Yet there has been no positive response from the administration at Stormont. The views of the people are being ignored. A not dis-similar situation exists in Southern Ireland regarding their health service"
The New Ireland Vision founder continued "Therefore it is clear that the system of government in both parts of the island is not responsive to the public and needs to modernised - to be more participatory, accountable and less centralised.
"Our meeting in Newry is about discussing which new models of government can be created in Ireland that will distribute power from the politicians who monopolise it and from the corporations who can have an undue influence upon government. We want the wider public to have more influence upon the decisions that have an impact upon their lives.
"New Ireland Vision thinks the Confederal model of government is a better vision for Ireland and will empower more people. The only way to achieve this is through consensus politics, confidence building, peace and reconciliation. The idea is to focus upon citizenship and how this relates to good government. Hopefully it will then become more likely that the Unionist - Nationalist division will sort itself out. This confederal system already works well in Switzerland and this is why we have invited Dr. Martin Alioth to explain it to us at Newry's Canal Court Hotel on the 13th February."
The public are very welcome to attend and present their vision for a New Ireland at the event on Saturday the 13th February from 12 noon to 2 pm in the Kearney Suite, Canal Court Hotel, Newry.
