This article is from page 21 of the 2012-05-15 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 21 JPG
A 10-PERSON steering committee, including members form Clare, Kerry and Galway, was established in Ennis last Friday to oversee the organisation of the Irish Citizens Party. The party, which was established last month by West Clare man Jim Connolly, will be led by this steering committee for the months ahead, until a formal party structure an be established.
Mr Connolly, who ran as an Independent in last years’ general election, has previously said that he will not put himself forward as a candidate for the party, but is hoping that some of the new members will decide to run in upcoming elections.
“I am more than happy with how it went. We have established a steering committee to move the party forward. This committee has members from all over Clare, from Killarney and from Ardrahan in Galway,” said Jim.
“Everyone was very enthusiastic. The meeting started at 8.30pm and at 11pm everyone still wanted to be there and still had a lot to talk about. We discussed everything under the sun – it was a very good first meeting.
“The party has no rigid doctrines like left or right, this is purely about the citizens of Ireland and upholding humanitarian values. The meeting gave me great courage; three days ago this was me, all by myself. Now we have 10 people on a steering committee and they will move us forward.
“The steering committee will bring things forward for a while and, once we determine how things work and grow a little, then we can talk about more definite structure.
“There were different voices at the meeting and they didn’t all agree, and that is the way it is going to be in this party.”
To find out more about the new party, visit www.irishcitizensparty.com.