General Election will be held on February 25th 2011
The Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice is a community and voluntary organisation - working for social and economic change tackling poverty and exclusion.
NEW! - Voting on October 27th 2011
Presidential Election, By- Election and Referendum
The response identified commitments to be welcomed and areas of concern. Vague and insufficient information in costs and changes in policy which will move Ireland away from a ‘welfare state’ approach move towards a ‘regulatory state’ approach are noted and commented upon.
This initial response is a very useful and reader-friendly introduction on the plan which will impact on our issues in the years ahead.
Recent Election - Difficulties Experienced by Voters
We have had a number of phone calls and emails concerning problems related to the recent General Election 2011 - difficulties with registration procedures and entitlement to cast a vote. We suggest that voters who experience these or similar problems contact the Franchise Section of your Local County Council.
Approximately 70% of people living in Ireland voted in the 2011 General Election
Many people believe that by casting their vote they have met their obligation to participate in the democratic system. Voting at elections time is not enough. If we seek a more just and inclusive society we need to continue to engage with our electoral representatives. This engagement is essential to ensure that promises are honoured and our representatives held accountable!
The Beginnings of the European Union A Vision of Europe at Peace and Prosperous
Following World War II (1939 – 1945), much of Europe was in ruins. Sixty million people had died in two world wars. Two French men – Jean Monnet and Robert Shuman (French Foreign Minister) had a vision of a Europe without war – a Europe at peace and prosperous. They approached the leader of France’s traditional enemy Chancellor Adenauer. Together they agreed to work for a new Europe which would be build through co-operation and achievement.
The leaders of France and Germany were joined by the leaders of six neighbouring countries of Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg. They began a new age of co-operation by pooling their coal and steel resources putting into words Schuman’s belief “Europe will not be build in a day not as part of some overall design; it will be built through practical achievements that first create a sense of common purpose”.
On the 18th of April 1951 – The Treaty of Paris – also known as the Treaty of the European and Steel Community was signed by six countries – France, West Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium and Luxemburg. And so began ‘an even closer union among the peoples of Europe’. Ireland with the U.K. and Denmark joined the Community in 1973.
Much of the growing union between the people of the current 27 members countries of the E.U. has been built on shared values and goals. Further union will depend on citizens championing values such as peace, respect, liberty, democracy, tolerance, solidarity and fundamental rights. True progress brings challenges and possibilities of stability, security and the harmonious development for a Europe which can truly be a community of nations.
Information on Presidential Election 2011
Information on Active Citizenship/Voter Education Programme 
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The leaders of France and Germany were joined by the leaders of six neighbouring countries of Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg. They began a new age of co-operation by pooling their coal and steel resources putting into words Schuman’s belief “Europe will not be build in a day not as part of some overall design; it will be built through practical achievements that first create a sense of common purpose”.