Vote No. 1 for experience and vision
My Vision
The 2008 financial crisis was the fourth occasion since independence that the viability of Ireland’s future came into question. Our susceptibility to boom and bust cycles suggest that there are deep structural flaws in our development model.
I believe that we need to become more like some of the small open economies of Northern Europe. Not only are they sustainable but they are consistently among the most economically efficient and socially cohesive in the world. They have proven that high quality public services and low levels of inequality in society complement rather than detract from competiveness.
This proposition is evidence-based and the outcome of many years of research conducted in Finland, Denmark and the Netherlands, the findings of which I have set out in a book recently published internationally by Palgrave Macmillan.
If elected, I will use the Seanad to advocate for a new development model that will secure a better, fairer and more sustainable future for our people. These strategic issues were largely ignored during the recent general election campaign.
A Wealth of Experience
Over a long working life I have gained extensive experience of the public, private and voluntary sectors which will help to ensure that I will contribute effectively to the Seanad. This includes:
• Chief Executive of Concern Worldwide
• General Secretary of ICTU
• Director of TASC (Research Institute)
• Governor of the Irish Times Trust
• Chairman of Barnardos
• Director of Aer Lingus
• Director of Central Bank
• Member of the National Economic and Social Council
David Begg is supported by:
• Sheila Nunan, General Secretary of INTO • Tom Arnold, Chairman of the Constitutional Convention • Martin Fitzpatrick, Business Journalist • Padraig McManus, Chairman of EIR •
• Fr. Gerry O’Hanlon SJ, Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice • Prof. John Fitzgerald, Economist • Anne Butler, Former President, Engineers Ireland • Prof. Joe Barry, Medical Doctor • Pat King, Former General Secretary, ASTI • Fergus Finlay, Chief Executive, Barnardos
www.davidbegg.ie