Challenge on ensuring representation at local and European (EU) level Killian Forde, CEO - The Integration Centre DFI National Conference 2014: Citizen

Challenge on ensuring representation at local and European (EU) level

Killian Forde, CEO - The Integration Centre

DFI National Conference 2014: Citizen Engagement - Local Government for Local People

My Perspective As a current manager of NGO

As a former City Councillor

As a former party employee

As someone who has lobbied and been lobbied

As a community activistDFI National Conference 2014: Citizen Engagement - Local Government for

Local People


Characteristic of Irish politicians White Born in Ireland Male Middle aged Catholic Middle class Able bodied Hetrosexual Settled


But……. Ireland is a diverse country

17% not born here. 51% female 6% non white 15% non Catholic 60% working class 9% people with disablity 2,000,000 25 – 44 year olds


Diversity in Political Parties Project (EIF) In 2009 four out of 1,627 councillors Low members - 1% to 3% reported Low turnout. Polish @ 5% in 2009 Ignorance in how to engage High levels of volunteerism Not being targeted Not approaching parties Difficult to accommodate Parties want migrants to show


Party Culture. Passive recrutiment There to contribute Failure to absorb or retain non traditonal Understaffed Underfunded Little experience Legacy of failure - with women Reluctance to change Targeting of easier sectors Rigid party structure and activities


Remember Parties and politicians are benign Phonebooks make bad lobbying documents Sell your constituency Voters are their customers Offer solutions Help them understand

Help them understand Help them understand

Help them understand!!!


Sites of struggle Political parties at local level Resident groups Sports groups Local issue groups Local forums, policing JPCs, Integration forum,

community forum NGO groups Internet – blogs/webpages


Quiz time

Upon election the first responsibility of any politician is………?


Answer

To get themselves re-elected

Thank you.

Questions and Comments welcomed.

Documents

Challenge on ensuring representation at local and European (EU) level Killian Forde, CEO - The Integration Centre DFI National Conference 2014: Citizen