Post Election 2016 Comment

Post Election 2016 Comment

………So now the most important political requirement is the formation of a stable Government.  The logical step is for the two main historical established parties to do so.  After all, they both want “the best for the people and the country.”  Unfortunately party political loyalty comes’s first, then the people and the country.

The most important step of managing the country by the two biggest established parties will NOT happen. 

Reform and change are the essential headings that must come onto the political agenda.  More than this, it is the enactment of change that is essential.

Some Key Facts -

Largest vote for established party was Fine Gael  544,240

Vote for non-established parties was                   575,113

Number of people who voted                           2,132,925

Number of people able to vote (2011)              2,243,176

Population of Ireland (est. CSO 2015)              4,609,600

                 

Population Abroad  (UN figures 2013)                 772,485

Election Ireland 2016

The key feature in this election is the vote for independents and non-established parties.  This vote is expected to remain above 20% and could be as high as 25% or 27% of all votes. It is accepted that the 2011 election was a vote to remove Fianna Fail.  However the people also wanted “real change and reform” for the future.   This reform and change did not happen.

This reaffirms my believe that the independent vote will remain high till such reform and change takes place or is perceived to have taken place.

Another key point on the consistent independent vote is the performance of the independents in Government since the last election. Despite the media imbalance in favor of established political parties and the various unconventional happenings of some independents, the electorate sees them as a key-working component in the Dail.

In my comments before the 2011 election, I forecasted the success of the independents.  I believe that real change and reform was expected, especially after the financial crisis.  I stated that the following two elections after 2011 would be “strategic” elections.  That is to say, a sizeable percentage of voters are using their vote as a strategic vote as opposed to voting for an established party.

Tomorrow, the Irish people living in Ireland will be able to vote.  It is a crime that the hundreds of thousands that have had to leave, as a result of the banking crisis, are not give the opportunity to vote.

I look forward to Saturday and to see the results unfold.

Note: Poll Graph was from 2014 by Sunday Business Post

On Saturday 25th January 2014, I attended the Reform Alliance Conference held at the RDS.

Prior to attending and at online registration, there was an invitation to make submissions on three areas.

1. political Reform 2. Economic Reform and 3 Health Reform 

Below is my submission on number 1 Political Reform:

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Political Reform For Irish Citizens

Summary

Reform of politics and county administration process  is critical. We need a “movement for change” right across Irish society

Potentially this Reform Alliance RDS Conference ‘open to all’, represents a new movement.

My name is David Egan.  I have never been a member of any political party. However, as an Irish citizen, I have always voted.  Even when living abroad 17 years, I travelled home to vote on a number of occasions.

Reform of politics and the way we are organised is crucial but also obvious. In my opinion, REFORM is not enough.  We need a “movement for change” right across Irish society where everybody who regards themselves as an Irish citizen is given the opportunity to be involved.

I am talking about a new way of thinking and engagment combined with a “new long term vision for Ireland” and its people.

 

This would combine a number of critical factors

*The inclusion of “Ireland Abroad” . Not just the 400k who left in recent years but the 250k who left in the 1980’s.

*Thinking and organising on a local regional level, all Island level, a new Celtic Country Level (Ireland/Wales/Sctoland), Pan European level, Global level.

*Introduction of a matrix system of organisation combined with traditional type organisation.

This current decade of centenaries and in particular 1916, represent an appropriate timing to look to the future.

The short term question  on politcal reform is how we redefine the word itself “politics”  in order to motivate people and create an movement of new possibilities.

Example

In 1990, Malaysia (former British colony) created Vision 2020, a thirty year plan. I have been travelling each year to S E Asia since 1997 from Europe and have witnessed the dramatic change of Malaysia and its people to become a leader in the region where Asean HQ is now set up.

David Egan

Avoca, Co Wicklow

Morning After Arklow Referendum Debate

The information and debate session held in the Arklow Bay Hotel last night on the forthcoming referendum was very successful for me. It certainly consolidated my views.

The Referendum should NEVER have been initiated. It has the potential to do more damage than good unless a resounding YES vote.  A number of NO voters were unable to give any concrete solution or reason why we should vote NO.  In fact I got the impression that the NO voters who did not give their names or politcal alliance;  were Sin Fein members attempting to play party politics.

They raised the local Irish issue of the Anglo Bank debt and were attempting to tell us that we should vote NO in protest against the Anglo Irish Bank debt and the fact that we have lost our sovereignty.

Apart from the 800 account holders, I would be confident that 99% of voters would vote against the payment of this criminal debt.  But the Referendum is not about Anglo Bank or our sovereignty. Voting NO will give us neither! So please - will the NO voters tell me if we vote NO what is your solution for the future?

Unfortunately the referendum is all about party politics when it should be a debate about the solutions and road map on how we move forward for the future.
Sin Fein appear to be using the referendum to take away more Fianna Fail voters.
Fine Gael & Labour are attempting to use the referendum to justify their budgets and austerity measures.

You have to ask yourself - why are we having this referendum?

Euro Referendum Debate in Arklow!

I remain unclear why this referendum is taking place. It appears to me more about party politics than about the Irish people voting on the treaty. The political parties that sat in Leinster house over the last two decades have bankrupted the country.
We do note really have a choice but to vote YES unless we are intentionally attempting to make the situation worse. 

However...........
the referendum has been a great vehicle for the country to debate and discuss the whole mess we are in and specifically to focus on the financial circumstances that we find ourselves.  It is important time for people to discuss all the current issues in relation to our relationship with Europe!

Another interesting aspect for me is that Stephen Donnelly, newly independent representative from Wicklow in Leinster House, has organised a number of public debates in Wicklow on the referendum. All the established parties are telling us how to vote with their yes and no campaigns.  Stephen's efforts represent a different type of political thinking that engages with the community in a meaningful way!

I look forward to attend the meeting taking place in the Arklow Bay Hotel on Friday 10th May!

RTE /Fr Reynolds Versus Cardinal Brady/BBC !

What a strange week it has been. BBC start the week with more harrowing child abuse revelations and RTE are over the barrel on their journalistic standards, ironically concerning a priest, Fr Reynolds.

Now at the end of the week, I have a new profound respect for RTE and the way they are dealing with the issue. It is exactly one year since the "Prime Time" programme was aired on TV.  I did not see it myself but witnessed RTE deny wrong doing initially (like the organisation of the Catholic Church). But there ends the similarity.

Well before the official report published this week, RTE took responsiblity for its mistake resulting in a number of resignations, internal actions and changes. The actions look set to continue at RTE.  Fr Reynolds has got his justice within a year plus compensation.

.....and Brendan Boland, the young 14 year old in 1975?  He is still waiting for justice 37 years on!   .....and the Church is still in denial. No - ok I got that wrong.

The Church is putting canon law above the state law resulting in the continued abuse of children. The same Church organisation and ethos  that controls our education system, hospitals and "God knows" what else?!

Solution: Separate Church from State. 

"Arrivals & Departures" about Exiles (RTE)

This week, RTE screened a follow up to the excellent but depressing documentary on a snapshot of people having to leave Ireland.   Link: Arrivals

As I was part of the quarter of a million who left Ireland in the 80's, it struck a strong cord for me.

Generally speaking the people who are leaving are the people we  need to stay. The fact that it is acceptable in 21st century for people from this island to become exiles reflects very serious issues. 

Not alone is it not acceptable but it would be for me a critical benchmark in the context of a National State of Emergency &  National Government of Unity as a solution to moveing forward. Please see my earlier blogs on election.

Moriarty Report - Timing is to good !

Once again, the people of Ireland are the losers. I question the timing of the publication of the report, especially as the Moriarty Tribunal was set up in 1997.  13 years - think about it - and the decsion is made to publish the report in the week the government is in crucial negotiations with EU on our future. Now the final cost of this tribunal is estimated to be €100m.

As for the contents....it goes without saying that no action will be taken despite the fact that criminal proceedings and withdrawal of passports would be basic steps to take.  

It only underlines my original view stated in this blog, that "Ireland in Crisis" requires a "National Government of Unity" who will then declare a "State of Emergency" to ensure:
(i) Real debate and options
(ii) Reform the system of Government and administration
(iii) Create a new platform of communication and action for short medium and long term.

We need our current government to be successful in its endeavours.  However this may not be enough for the people of Ireland.  Everytime we attempt to be confident and get on with it, we are confronted with obstacles created by the system of organisation that we have allowed to evolve.

As for the two privilege days afforded to public servants by the British Empire back in 1921, I rest my case!

Just Back From Indonesia

I have just spent the last 8 days in Indonesia, working on b2b event. Early on Friday morning last, we experienced the earthquake tremor that lasted about 8 seconds.  It was roughly 1.30am local time.  I carried on as normal and did not  check satellite news services etc for two reasons - was busy with my work and the locals were carrying on as normal (as was the Hotel).

'I carried on as normal' till I started to receive text messages from Europe - was I ok? I had no awareness of the dramatic events taking place in Japan at this stage.  It was lunchtime Friday and now panic was apparently setting in on guests and delegates at the Hotel due to the incoming communication by phone and internet from the west, concerning tsunami.   Indonesia had issued tsunami warnings but only in a number of specific coastal areas far away from where we were.

Basically, I was confounded by the huge reaction from the other side of the world reflecting the power of media communication. However it was also over the top (for the region where I was) and highlighted the responsibility and gaps in reporting such news.  We had another small after shock within hours but going by the locals this was normal and characteristic to South East Asia if you lived there.

ACTION - Declare National Government of Unity & State of Emergency

Since October 2008, I have often been bewildered with the lack of genuine debate on the solutions and options for Ireland in Crisis. More importantly I often wondered why the Fianna Fail Government and the opposition did not form a National Government of Unity and declare a "State of Emergency". Only two such calls were made before;  "the  emergency" during world war II and more recently in the '70's (?) in relation to terrorism on this island.

Post Election 2011
Now I want to have the opportunity to ask the this question both to the new and previous government.  Crucially it is a key action and step that would resonate with the public in large, as it creates the possibility of bringing some confidence and believe to the people in the political system.

So here I am going public with my solution for "Ireland in Crisis"!

Step 1 - Political parties declare intention to form  "National Government of Unity" to create a clear focus on finding a solution to 'Ireland in Crisis'.

Step 2 - Declare intention to institute  'State of Emergency'

Step 3 - Referendum to gain support of the people. This could include an vote for the "Proposed Ministerial Group" to run the country.

I believe there would be a number of key benchmarks to end the state of emergency. One of these should be return to normal immigration.

If you are part of the national media of this country or part of the new Government that will make up the Dail,please contact me as I would welcome the opportunity to ask this question.....................

David Egan Email davidjoyce2011@gmail.com or telephone 0402 30793

Johnston Mooney & O' Brien - The Wicked Three!

Not the resurrection of the old Dublin baker but an exciting historical 3 wicket win by Ireland over England in the World Cup.

Since the election, we have had wonderful blue skies and sunshine every day and Ireland have just created another historical sporting moment.  I like to think that these moments are a domino affect that inspire and create more positive days.............

Final Irish Election Results.....Finally ..........!

Wednesday 2nd March, So finally we have the make up of the 166 seats of the next Dail.
Fine Gael         76
Labour            37
Fianna Fail       20
Independents  19
Sin Fein          14

Going back to my original (below) introductory blog note set up on 19th February, the election results have backed up my perceptions and theory.  In fact, if you look at the national media coverage of the main parties in the run up to the election day, compared to any of the independents, it highlights the huge vote for the independent candidates.

In my Wicklow area, I have to say, it is incredibly impressive that the unknown Stephen Donnelly got elected. Only decided to enter the election race 5 weeks out from the election, he replaced the established players of Roche and Fitzgerald.  Historical election ?   .............you bet!

The People Kick Start Change

History will record that it was "The Irish Election 2011" that kick started the much required "movement for action" on the island of Ireland in the 21st century.

The current politicial parties should now ponder carefully over the coming days and weeks on the results. The current key national media will also address the realities:

Most Fianna Fail voters put country before party.

Fine Gael received high percentage of protest votes of people who had no other alternative (fear of unstable government)

The high number of Votes for Independents  reflecting the key need for change and providing an alternative for the future.

The number of people not voting indicating no confidence in current system and immigrants unable to vote

Let me expand on the last point.  I met a number of people over the last week who told me why they would not vote.  One of the key points for me was the vote for "No Confidence in Ireland when it comes to those in authority". That is to say:
*Those in power of the banking system abused their power
*Those in power of the Catholic Church abused their power and
*Those in political power abused their power

Who can u have confidence in?

Election Day Friday 25th February 2011

My day job means I am up early before 6am in the morning. So it won't come as no surprise that I had my vote completed before 8am.  But this election did give me the feeling of history in the making as far as results were concerned.  So I can imagine there is a lot of anxiety amongst candidates today and tomorrow after all the efforts of volunteers and party followers over recent weeks.

My fear remains of the people who will not vote.  Yesterday in a local shop in Arklow, I got talking to two people behind the counter and both highlight the tragedy and fear we all SHOULD have.

One was a local lady who will not vote because of her frustration and 'fear of voting' someone in who might do more damage. While she did not want to leave Ireland, the rest of her family do want to move to Australia. She is working and they are not. Naturally I put forward a strong case for voting, but at the same time, respected her view and circumstances. How many others like this will not vote?

The other working person in the shop was a young well motivated married man from South Africa.  He was unable to vote and will be  leaving Ireland before 17th March, after spending 9 years here.  Both cases highlight the tragedy of the community losing good hard working people.  If this is being replicated 80,000 times over the next 18 months, it is easy to see how the Irish market will continue to contract and how ......

Ireland is in Crisis.

.........and some serious questions need to be asked to the opposition of the last number of years who will now be governing the state?   ....the same will go for the new opposition who also sat in the Dail over the last number of years?

These questions will be set out in this blog next week.

Appeal to Fianna Fail Voters

I want to appeal to the Fianna Fail voters NOT to vote for their party.  You already know the result.  So you should USE YOUR VOTE to show your dismay at your party.

The way forward for the Fianna Fail party is put a large mirror up to itself.  Then reform the party over the next period of time.  Put the country of this island and  its people before the party.  I would also advise that anybody including Mr Martin should be told by its members that they and their colleagues who have served in any paid capacity in the state should act as advisers (or at least be allowed to have input) on the creation of a new FF party. 

VOTE but use your VOTE to protest!

Your VOTE is the Opportunity to Protest

Every vote counts!  This election, more than most, will be high up on the "Elections Table of importance"; since the founding of the state in 1921.  This election represents a key day for every person who can vote on Friday 25th February.

The number of people voting should reflect the "crisis" we are in. I would view a higher than usual vote as very positive and essential if there is to be real change for the future. Another important feature should be the higher than usual votes cast for "independent" candidates.

In general terms, we will have the same people in the Dail after Friday.  That is to say the failed opposition will now be the new government of Ireland.  It is important to point out that all parties who sat in the current Dail failed the people of Ireland.

It is important for the voters and people of this country to realise that the failed opposition will do their best and I for one, hope and will want to believe that they can out perform themselves with the tasks and decisions that lay ahead. However one thing I am certain about is that they will NOT be able to bring the change and reform required by the people and the country at grassroots level.

Why?


Because the existing political parties cannot put country, people or national interest before their party. It is the same political parties and faces that will make up the majority of the Dail that was there when the crisis started.

There is a solution and there is a way forward.

Now the people must use their protest vote.

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?..................