To Uachtarán Fianna Fáil, Micheal Martin TD & Leader of Fine Gael, Simon Harris TD,

In Ireland, generations have worked hard to create, nourish and protect our democracy. It is a cherished principle that the people of Ireland decide who leads us. 

But the resilience of democracy can never be taken for granted, especially at a time where it is under threat globally. We live in a world where power and money are increasingly being funnelled upwards towards billionaires and oligarchs with authoritarian agendas and the means to harm us, threaten our freedoms and undermine social cohesion. 

In a strong democracy, elected leaders take action to protect us. We cannot leave the governance of social media giants in the hands of CEOs and their shareholders.

Just like the lobbyists for Big Tobacco did decades ago, they will resist regulation at every turn. It’s simply not in their interests to prioritise public good. We need to find ways to protect freedom of expression while not harming our democracy or other fundamental freedoms.

A new government and the Dáil as a whole, need to counter the current and coming threats  to our democracy and to the common good, with purpose, seriousness and ambition. 

People in Ireland welcome open, challenging discussion on the important issues that shape who we are as a society. This incoming government needs to rise to meet this ambition.

A Citizen’s Assembly on Protecting Democracy and Fundamental Freedoms would bring this conversation out into the open, hear from wide sections of Irish society and give politicians a roadmap that is widely endorsed, enhances public trust and provides legitimacy in decision making. 

By taking decisive action Ireland can show leadership and hope both at home and on the global stage. 

Signed,

Edel McGinley, Hope and Courage Collective 

Sasha Havlicek, Institute for Strategic Dialogue

Brian Killoran, Immigrant Council of Ireland 

Claire Mc Evoy, Irish Council for Civil Liberties 

Nick Henderson, Irish Refugee Council

Paula Fagan, LGBT Ireland

Orla O’Connor, National Women’s Council

Oisín O’Reilly, Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre

Siobhan O’Donoghue, Uplift

Brain Sheehan, Women for Election