A New Republic – Ireland’s next century

Nearly 100 years since then Labour leader Tom Johnson presented the Democratic Programme to the first Dáil, the Labour Party will tonight begin a journey toward imagining a new vision for the Ireland of the next 100 years.

Members of the public, groups, organisations, and all who share the Labour Party’s commitment to a fairer Ireland are invited to work with us to put together a new set of ideas, policies and principles to shape the second century of our republic.

The statement piece of ‘A New Republic’ will be published in January 2019 as we commemorate the meeting of the first Dáil, and will offer a new democratic programme to shape our republic and plan for our future.

Speaking ahead of tonight’s launch, Labour Party leader Brendan Howlin TD said:

“For those of us on the left, the Democratic Programme remains a source of inspiration, even if the vision it offered has been far from fully achieved.

“Today we face a different kind of tumult and set of challenges, and we need to look forward to Ireland’s second century, just as Tom Johnson was looking towards a particular vision of a free and independent Ireland a century ago.

“The Labour Party is extending this invitation to people and organisations all across our country to join with us in drawing up a new Democratic Programme.

“I extend this invitation tonight and I look forward to working towards a new republic for independent Ireland’s second century,” Deputy Howlin concluded.

The Labour Party’s national policy coordinator, Alex White, added:

“I look forward in the coming months to a broad expression of views consistent with the kind of priorities Labour has always had, and Tom Johnson had; those of fairness, social justice, and the common good.

“We will hold meetings, round tables and open discussions across the country, along with seeking input through our website.

“This project, to imagine a new republic, offers us an opportunity to conceive a new Ireland that matches our aspirations and speaks to the priorities of a new generation.”