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Ensuring Representation at Local and EU Level: Challenges and Solutions

This presentation by Killian Forde delves into the topic of citizen engagement in local government, highlighting the need for diverse representation in Irish politics. Mr. Forde, a seasoned NGO manager and former City Councillor, discusses the under-representation of various demographics in political parties and shares insights on engaging with politicians effectively. The talk emphasizes the importance of inclusive political structures and active engagement with diverse communities. Attendees are encouraged to seek solutions and promote understanding between voters and politicians in order to enhance civic participation.

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Ensuring Representation at Local and EU Level: Challenges and Solutions

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  1. 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

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

  3. Characteristic of Irish politicians • White • Born in Ireland • Male • Middle aged • Catholic • Middle class • Able bodied • Hetrosexual • Settled DFI National Conference 2014: Citizen Engagement - Local Government for Local People

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

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

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

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

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

  9. Quiz time Upon election the first responsibility of any politician is………? DFI National Conference 2014: Citizen Engagement - Local Government for Local People

  10. Answer To get themselves re-elected Thank you. Questions and Comments welcomed. DFI National Conference 2014: Citizen Engagement - Local Government for Local People

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