What is this?

Welcome to the weblog of the movement for a Second Republic of Ireland. At the outset, we wish to make it crystal clear that this movement has nothing to do with traditional Irish republicanism as it has been understood for the last 200 years. We have no links whatsoever with any existing political party, nor do we wish any.

Since the credit crunch and the onset of the so-called 'Great Recession', there has been an ongoing re-evaluation of politics and politicians in Ireland. Faced with the exceptional challenge of steering a path through the economic carnage, our political institutions and personnel were found wanting. This was seen quite clearly in the scandals surrounding our financial institutions, local authorities and the myriad quasi-autonomous, non-governmental organisations (Quangos) that had been nurtured or created by our politicians in order to reward or control every aspect of public life in Ireland.

This overweening empire-building ensured that when the crisis came at the end of 2008 almost every public and private institution was in serious trouble, requiring the forced help of the taxpayer to survive.

Our contention in the Second Republic is that the system is the problem. Although highly-paid individuals were guilty of breathtaking negligence, it was an out-of-date and deeply flawed electoral, parliamentary and political system that facilitated the near-collapse of the Irish economy. This cannot be allowed to stand.

Every great European democracy has undergone a fundamental re-evaluation of their democratic institutions at some time in their history. In France, these movements of renewal have expressed themselves as quests for a new republic, replacing corrupt, compromised or outdated predecessors. We cannot see why the Republic of Ireland should be any different to France, which is now on its Fifth Republic.

Change should not be cosmetic. If it is, we will simply be recreating the mistakes of the past. What is needed in Ireland is root and branch reform of our institutions, based on the fundamental premise that they should do no harm to the people.

To this end, we call on anyone who cares about this country and its future to contribute to our movement, especially in ideas and energy, to bring about a new birth for Ireland, freeing us from the selfish and self-destructive policies that brought this country to the brink of disaster on at least three occasions since the foundation of the state.

We are still a young country. It is not strange that this republic should be put under the microscope to see if it is fit for purpose. It is, rather, our duty as citizens to ensure that the institutions of the state cannot be hijacked by any vested interest or political party, but will always be preserved for the good of the people. Such an undertaking cannot be left to politicians or the Oireachtas, as these are the people who will be most radically affected by any changes to the system. This is our responsibility as citizens; let's start on that journey now.