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Democratic Deficit exposed in Referendum Campaign printable version

07 Nov 2012: posted by the editor - Ireland

Solicitor and Criminologist Malachy Steenson says the Children's Referendum campaign "shows clearly the unbalanced nature of this State, the entire political establishment backed up by so called Civil Society groups have come together to alter the fundamental law of this State".

Speaking at the final Press Conference of the "NO" campaign he said: "This Referendum has shown clearly the unbalanced nature of this State, the entire political establishment backed up by so called Civil Society groups have come together to alter the fundamental law of this State."

He also said that the role of the Media particularly the role State Broadcaster must be challenged in respect of future referendums, where a proposal to alter the Constitution is put before the people it is up to the people to make their decision free from the overt pressure of the State and it supporters a full and frank debate of the issues must be facilitate by the State broadcaster, in this Referendum they have failed to live up to their public service remit.

He said that much more coverage is being given to the US Presidential election, which is of little relevance to the vast majority of people in this country than is being given to this proposal which will have real repercussions for families.

"At meetings all around the Country huge concerns have been expressed by citizens about the real intention behind this Amendment, those concerns have been ignored by Government Spokespersons continually.

"Those who have had experience of the Care System as it currently operates were very clear in their opposition to handing over more power to the State, a State which since its foundation failed to look after the children of this nation a failure which continues to this day."

He added: "We have continued to hear the YES side use cases like Killkenny, Mayo, Roscommon etc., being used to push this Amendment, however in all of these cases the HSE was involved and aware of what was going on for years yet they failed to act, it was not the lack of a specific constitutional protection for children which allowed these cases to continue but the inaction of a dysfunctional un accountable care system which is more concerned about budgets, careers and protecting itself than it is about children, it is also clear that there are likely to be similar cases today.

"Why would anyone in all sanity give them more power," he asked.

Commenting on the climate in which this Referendum is being held he added: "This Amendment must be considered in the context of the times in which we now live, as we approach the December budget it is clear that the living stands of families throughout this country will be slashed yet again, driving more and more families into poverty, where they will be unable to put food on the table for or keep a roof over the heads of their children, showing quite clearly that this State has no real concern for the conditions that many children are forced to endure. In the eyes of the State poverty will again be a reason for children being put into care.

"The current slash and burn policies of austerity which include removing Special Needs teachers in schools, cutting CE schemes which provide community crèche facilities show the real agenda of this government."

He concluded: "The key question for citizens to ask themselves before they vote is, knowing all you now know about how this State is run and for whose benefit do you believe that they have the best interest of families and children as a real concern, if the answer is NO then why would you trust them to look after your children?"

* Malachy Steenson is a Practising Solicitor and a Criminologist living and working in the North Inner City of Dublin. He is a well known left wing community activist and is a regular contributor to broadcast and print media in relation to matters of social justice, crime and the economy.

Tags: Children's Referendum

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