Below I list some of my core principles and beliefs about the Party and the role of Chairperson, and I outline some broad aims I would hope to achieve during my tenure if elected.
On Members
I believe the Labour Party must become more democratic and involve members in policymaking, campaign strategy and other party activities. By harnessing the experience and expertise of our grassroots we can strengthen the Labour Party.
If elected, I will bring proposals to the Executive Board for increasing democratic participation of members through the establishment of policy groups and campaign groups to involve members, to ensure that Labour is the leading and most dynamic member driven party in Ireland.
On Trade Unions
I believe the Labour Party must strengthen its links with Trade Unions, who have been a central part of our movement since the foundation of the Party.
If elected, I will organise regular meetings between affiliated unions and the party leadership and spokespeople. I will also propose a strategy for closer co-operation to the Executive Board and work towards getting other Trade Unions to affiliate to the Party.
On Party Sections
I believe we must make greater use of the Party sections, who by their very nature, are organised by members especially dedicated to a particular issue in society, whether women, equality or youth; and who often have specialist knowledge, as with Labour Lawyers and Labour LGBT.
If elected, I will work to ensure that Sections are more involved in formulating Party policy; and I would coordinate meetings between the relevant Party spokesperson and the Sections; and allocate speaking time to the Sections at Party Conference in the relevant debates. We also need to find new ways to harness the energy of these members in building the Party throughout Ireland.
On the Regions
I believe the Labour Party must be active throughout the entire country and ensure we do not appear Dublin-centric. As the Party continues to build membership and public support in rural areas, the Chairperson needs to be directly available to, and in contact with these members.
If elected, I will travel to meet members, to listen to their views and act on their concerns and worries - communicating with Head Office and getting Head Office to act on the issues raised. I will ensure that the Central Council and Executive Board conduct a reasonable proportion of their meetings outside of Dublin, and when doing this, also set time aside to meet with the members of the party in that area. This will aid communication and a sense of connection between Head Office and membership, and vice versa. I will also advocate for regional conferences and policy meetings.
On Socialism
I believe in the power of democratic socialism to bring about positive change in Ireland and it's central importance to our Party and how it functions.
If elected, I will fulfill my duties with particular emphasis on the core principles of our Party: equality, freedom, democracy and community. Our Party has never been more united in its goals and I believe by working together and increasing the involvement of the grassroots we will bring about the change that Ireland so badly needs.
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