A coalition of leading civil society organisations, including the Hope and Courage Collective, Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre and LGBT Ireland, has issued an open letter to Micheál Martin TD, Uachtarán Fianna Fáil, and Simon Harris TD, leader of Fine Gael, calling for the incoming government to prioritise democracy and fundamental freedoms. They are advocating for the establishment of a Citizens’ Assembly on Protecting Democracy and Fundamental Freedoms to be included in the next programme for government.

The Hope and Courage Collective, a national civil society organisation dedicated to combating hate in communities and workplaces, led the initiative. Alongside LGBTQ+ groups, trade unions, advocacy groups, and academics, the collective emphasises the importance of proactive measures to safeguard democracy in an era of global uncertainty

The statement begins as follows: “In Ireland, generations have worked hard to create, nourish and protect our democracy. It is a cherished principle that the people of Ireland decide who leads us.”

The document goes on to criticise the danger of governance influenced by CEOs and their shareholders. Making reference to lobbyists for Big Tobacco, the letter warns its readers of the results that can come from resisting regulation in the name of profit.

Edel McGinley, Executive Director of the Hope and Courage Collective, remarked in regard to the statement: “In Ireland, generations have worked tirelessly to build, sustain, and protect our democracy. We cannot take its resilience for granted, particularly in a time when democracy faces unprecedented challenges worldwide.”

Orla O’Connor, Director of the National Women’s Council, echoed this sentiment: “A new government, along with the Dáil, must address emerging threats to our democracy and shared values with urgency, ambition, and a sense of responsibility.”

Oisín O’Reilly, CEO of Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre, said that “a Citizen’s Assembly on Protecting Democracy and Fundamental Freedoms would bring this conversation out into the open,” allowing for wide sections of Irish society to be heard, enhancing public trust and providing legitimacy in decision making. He said it would additionally “give politicians a roadmap that is widely endorsed”.

The letter highlights and reflects on the Irish people’s commitment to the crucial issues shaping the nation’s identity. It calls on the incoming government to reflect this commitment by addressing challenges to democratic institutions and puts particular stress on protecting the common good.

The letter was signed by the following organisations: Institute for Strategic Dialogue, Immigrant Council of Ireland, Irish Council for Civil Liberties, Irish Refugee Council, LGBT Ireland, National Women’s Council, Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre, Uplift and Women for Election.