Sir,
Regina Doherty’s thoughts on Ireland’s fluctuating position within the European Union and its apparent dwindling influence caught my attention when I read her letter dated September 24th. It is undeniable that a strategic rethinking is needed; nonetheless, there is another significant matter that deserves discussion: the accessibility and impartiality of representation in the political arena of the EU.
In my stint as an independent contender during the 2024 European Parliament elections representing Dublin, my campaign promised political visibility and accountability. From this experience, it was clear to me the inherent bias that affects the possibility to politically participate and exert influence. Major political parties and candidates with substantial financial resources, like Ms Doherty, garner better access to media and widespread visibility. Meanwhile, independent entities, often characterizing local movements, battle to make their voice heard. Notably, such financial and political disparity in the EU goes far beyond just affecting Ireland’s sway within the EU – it fundamentally challenges the principle of democracy that the EU should endorse.
Ms Doherty accurately identifies the necessity of alliance building and fostering relationships for the sustenance of influence. Even so, these alliances should also ensure to accommodate the lesser voices – those being represented by independent contenders and ordinary citizens who often feel overlooked by the influential political system. Ireland’s strategy should not solely concentrate on embedding itself within the conventional power hierarchies but also aim to democratize the distribution of influence among all contributors to the political discussions.
Moreover, the apprehension that Ireland’s political institution may have about the impression of portfolio importance in the European Commission is overshadowed by a growing concern among EU citizens—democratized representation, decision making transparency, and equitable economic policies benefiting the larger European community rather than just an elite group.
In other news, U2’s drummer, Larry Mullen Jnr, is unhappy with some work that was done on his property in Howth. In a TV review, Creedon’s Musical Atlas of Ireland is praised for displaying Irish talent with fervour. Normandy, a historical crossroads from the Bayeux Tapestry to D-Day, is a popular tourist destination. Finally, a reader writes in frustration over her boyfriend’s loving but often bigoted parents.
For Ireland to fully exploit its sway within the EU, our attention needs to be centred on moulding an encompassing and representative political infrastructure, one that bolsters all viewpoints – not only those with monetary means or ingrained networks – to resonate. At this juncture, lies the potential for Ireland to influence the trajectory of the EU – not solely via high-level strategies, but by championing a sincere dedication to openness, justice, and the integration of diverse perspectives. Kind Regards,
Stephen O’Rourke,
Ballyfermot,
Dublin 10.