The 10 Right to Change policy principles emerged and were endorsed in 2015 after an extensive community led consultation process between individuals, community groups, trade unionists, political parties and independent representatives – all of whom had been involved in Ireland’s massive and successful anti-water charges movement. Approximately 150 detailed submissions were received and two separate conferences of 200 activists were held that made amendments to the identified policies.

The purpose of this process was to help facilitate a new type of democratic politics aimed at delivering a fairer, better Ireland. Those attending envisaged a country that can be based on the principles of:

– democracy

– equality, and

-social justice.

The Right To Change Party holds that these, our founding policy principles, should be the minimum obligation for Ireland’s first yet to be delivered progressive Government. The right to water, to decent work, to housing, to healthcare, to debt justice, to an education, to democratic reform, to equality, and to a sustainable environment and public ownership of our national resources, are we believe a priority for the people of Ireland.  These policies will be updated as we go forward, through the democratic structures of the Right to Change party.

If we are to achieve our collective goal of a more egalitarian society based on the principles of democracy, equality and social justice, then we need everyone to play their part. We need to build democratic structures in our communities that will fight for change throughout our society.

We believe the people of Ireland deserve and are entitled to much more than the current political system has delivered. We want an end to corruption and an end to cronyism. We want to empower people and promote solidarity, community spirit, respect, and above all unity. Together we are stronger and together we can change our country.

 

‘The Irish Republic is entitled to, and hereby claims, the allegiance of every Irishman and Irishwoman. The Republic guarantees religious and civil liberty, equal rights and equal opportunities to all its citizens, and declares its resolve to pursue the happiness and prosperity of the whole nation and of all its parts, cherishing all of the children of the nation equally…’

 

1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic