In the local elections, we were promised everything, but we know that the councils will do whatever the Dail tells them to do, just like they did with the water charges. Is it any wonder that so many people just didn't bother to vote?
Sure its better than nothing, but democracy in Ireland is nothing to get excited about. Every few years we get to choose between Tweedledum and Tweedledee, between one set of liars and another - is this democracy?
Is it democracy when you listen to the politicians say their pieces, and decide between their manifestos, only to find that they change their minds as soon as they get in? Irish neutrality? Oh, of course, of course, a very important principle but we're joining Partnership for Peace anyway. Health cuts? No, no, we wouldn't ah, but we will really. Democracy? Ah well, it sounds nice.
So what's the alternative? How about making politicians keep their promises? No excuses, no second chances, no five year wait - you lied - right, you're out. Next!
Let's go one step better, what do we need politicians for anyway?. Decisions should be made by the people who'll be effected by them. So you and your neighbours decide how things should be done in your area, and if they want to do things differently down the road, more power to them.
Real democracy is more than numbers on a ballot paper. It means the freedom to do as you wish in your own life, as long as you don t effect the freedom of others. It means groups of people deciding how they should run their workplace, their community, their town and their country. It means taking the power away from politicians, and back into your own hands. It means anarchism.
Public meeting: Anarchism and democracy At: ATGWU Hall Middle Abbey st Date: 7.30 Monday 5th July (1999) All welcome