In this issue:
Irish Citizen Army plaque unveiled in North Strand
SIPTU defers Luas strike action on St Patrick’s Day to consider WRC proposals
Strike action at Cadbury’s suspended
Cork County Council decision on fire service plan places lives at risk
Vote David Begg for Seanad (NUI)
Looking at the bigger picture
Seanad Éireann Election
Vote Alice Mary Higgins for Seanad (NUI)
Workers' Republic Conference
The Rising Centenary Concert
Liberty Hall & The Rising
Pull Down a Horseman
SIPTU Equality Exhibition 2016
Glórtha 1916
Mother: A film about 1916 in Laois
Workers Republic
Our union was central to the Easter Rising
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Vote Alice Mary Higgins for Seanad (NUI)

In a changing national and global landscape, I believe we need an integrated vision for society and economy underpinned by clear commitment to equality.

Equality has been a driving principle for me since my earliest days growing up and campaigning in Galway and throughout my career. As a Fulbright Scholar in New York, I combined academic work with activism, including union campaigns for undocumented workers and with the World Social Forum. 

Returning to Ireland, as Co-ordinator of the Comhlámh Anti-Racism Project, I campaigned against regressive legislation on migration and supported positive intercultural and trade justice initiatives.

I later moved to Trócaire to campaign on climate change, food security and peace-building, linking with partners in Somalia, Malawi and Palestine. Elected as a SIPTU shop steward, I negotiated terms for my 180 fellow staff and also engaged in wider solidarity work, serving on the SIPTU Communities Against Cuts committee and working to secure an ICTU motion on ethical investment.

At Older and Bolder, I worked with older people across Ireland to deliver the successful ‘Defend the State Pension’ campaign, developed the ‘Make Home Work’ campaign on homecare services and advocated on a National Positive Ageing Strategy.

Most recently, as Policy Co-ordinator with the National Women’s Council of Ireland, I have campaigned for gender equality at all levels and in all aspects of our national life. As an invited expert to Joint Oireachtas Committees and the Low Pay Commission, I have highlighted the impact of austerity, precarious work and pension inequality on women in Ireland.

Elected to the Executive of the European Women’s Lobby, I have a strong understanding of policy formation  at EU level. I have also worked within UN structures and recently addressed the United Nations Committee for Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in Geneva.

Equality

If elected to the Seanad I will seek equality proofing and impact assessment of social and economic policies and join with unions and civil society to press for full Equality Budgeting. I will continue to advocate for full equality between women and men, the closing of the pay and pension gap, resources to tackle violence against women, and repeal of the 8th Amendment.

Sustainable economics and decent work

Ireland recently played a key role in the ground-breaking UN Sustainable Development Goals, a global blueprint for an inclusive, ground-up approach to development. Unfortunately, the economic policies we pursue at home are still too attached to discredited trickle down theories which have failed in the past. I will promote sustainable economics that build from the base by supporting fair taxation and decent work.

I will fight for increases in the minimum wage, implementation of the University of Limerick recommendations to tackle precarious work, active promotion of a Living Wage and the strengthening of the Low Pay Commission to address work poverty and the gender pay gap. Sustainable economics also require long-term environmental planning and recognition of the cost and contribution of care.

Public services and the public good

Delivery of quality public services must be a national priority. The housing crisis highlights the danger of over-reliance on market solutions and the need for a rights-based approach to health, housing and education. I will champion increased investment in public services and essential infrastructure such as integrated transport and affordable, accessible childcare - along with quality contracts for staff. 

I will seek attachment of employment, equality and environmental standards to the €12 billion spent on Public Procurement each year. I will also oppose dilution of regulation through TTIP or  CETA.

Participation and international solidarity

We need an Ireland where everyone can participate. Having worked with young people in unemployment and with older people, I recognise the need for investment in youth work, community development, social care and mental health supports. I also understand the importance of cultural participation and the arts. Committed to Seanad reform, I will campaign for universal suffrage.

Seanad Éireann must play a stronger role in examining EU legislation, holding government accountable for international policy and driving responsible public debate on climate change, trade, conflict and migration.

As an independent full-time Senator, I will bring care, creativity and long-term thinking into the heart of political decision-making.

I am asking you to Vote No.1 Alice-Mary Higgins for Seanad Éireann (NUI)

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