Irish Election 2011

 My name is David Egan.

Personal
I was born, educated and working in Dublin up to 1985, when I became part of the estimated quarter of million that left during the ‘80s. I returned to Ireland at the end of 2002 and live in a new housing estate in Co Wicklow.


 Politics
I am not a member of any political party but like the majority of people, I appreciate my democratic freedom and understand the importance of the vote. I have usually attempted to vote for the best candidate in the area that I lived rather than the party. The exception to this was the period of years when I lived abroad and was unable to vote (despite the fact I wanted to).  On some occasions, I travelled home to Dubiin for the sole purpose of voting.



Between 2008 and 2010, as the Irish crisis deepened and we the public became more aware of just how serious the situation was, the political parties threw themselves into party politics rather than focus on the solutions required to get us through the crisis. This for me was the last straw. I lost all confidence in the current party political system.

However I also know that the gap between the people and the political system has grown to such a degree that the politicians do not really appreciate the anger and the appetite for real change and overhaul of our society.  People do talk about “we need a revolution” but it is not in the traditional sense of “people on the street” and barricades.  Its actually more dramatic then this! ....as it involves a lot more than a change of  system. It is more than getting people involved again in their community and politics.  It is a new thinking and approach within society that meets our current and future needs.

I regard the huge number of independents and smaller political  groups like “New Vision” as one part of a major movement taking place.  Fascinating is the fact that mainstream media both publishing, TV and internet have not yet reflected this thinking or movement.  There are examples of course, eg New Ireland series of articles in the Irish Times, Charlie Bird hitting the streets of Ireland this week reflected the dept of indifference but also the hunger for real change.

Forthcoming Election February 2011
Most people will use their vote as a protest vote. My main concern is the people who may not vote. It is crucial that this election sees a high vote and the people who do not want to vote for any of the traditional parties on this island should VOTE for an INDEPENDENT candidate in their area. It is my understanding that we have the highest number of independents standing in this election since the founding of the state,  reflecting my views above.

Media Coverage
There has been no innovation or creative thinking by the media on how to reflect the person on the street or how to give coverage to the high number of candidates who are not from the traditional parties. As a result of this, the debate and current Irish Crisis has been treated in quite a lame way, dare I say, not really the reality of the situation or the crisis.

So what's Next?..................