The Green Party takes pride in its focus on innovative policies and solutions. The National Council is the main policy forum to which new and revised policy proposals are introduced for ratification.
The Down Green Party is actively involved in this process and has been a major contributer to three policies so far. Our members have written major contributions to the policies on Energy, Water and National Parks. Have a look at some of the policies we have been involved in below.
You can also look at some of our local policies on issues such as the proposed Badger Cull in Co.Down.
POLICY AGAINST PROPOSED BADGER CULL IN CO. DOWN
The Down District Green Party are opposed the proposed Badger Cull in Co.Down and totally reject the claim that badgers spread T.B amongst cattle. The Green Party has compiled its policy on this issue and the policies of other organisations which can be viewed by clicking on the following link – Green Party Policy Against Badger Cull.
MOSQUITO ALARMS POLICY
The Down District Green Party are opposed the installation of Mosquito Alarms in our community as a method to address antisocial behaviour. They are an abuse of human rights and wrongly discriminate against all young people in our community. Download our draft policy on Mosquito Alarms.
DRAFT POLICY ON MIRCROWAVE WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY
This is the first draft of the Green Party policy on microwave wireless technology. The Green Party have been campaigning against mobile phone masts in South Down since 2005 with local residents in Newcastle, Downpatrick, Hilltown, Warrenpoint and elsewhere. Newcastle resident and Green Party activist John Hardy is the author of this local Green Party policy. Click on the following link to Download the draft policy – Draft Policy on Mircrowave Wireless Technology. Also our colleugues in the Frecnh Green Party have a policy on electromagnetic radiation which can be viewed by clicking the following link – French Green Party Policy on Electromagnetic Radiation.
On 14th July 2010, Green Party senators Niall Ó Brolcháin and Mark Dearey announced that they are pushing for landmark legislation which will make Ireland the first country in the world to warn of the potential dangers of mobile phones through a unique labelling system.- see the press release here
ENERGY
Download the full policy document as co-authored by Down District councillor Cadogan Enright with Eamon Ryan TD, Minister for Energy, Communications and Natural Resources, Republic of Ireland.
WATER
Party member Brenda Cooke was commissioned by the Green Party in the Republic to write their policy on water including drinking water, waste water treatment and water conservation. This policy was recently updated for the benefit of the 2007 elections in the Republic. Download the policy document.
PPS18
Down District Green Party members drafted a suggested policy on PPS18 and submitted it to the Planning Service and also the Down District Council. The Down District Greens raised concerns that PPS18 described Incineration as a form of renewable energy – we would strongly oppose this view and express this in the policy document. Unfortunately the SDLP, Sinn Fein, DUP and UUP all voted in support of PPS18 at Council and the Green Party concerns were disregarded. Download the suggested PPS18 Policy.
IRISH LANGUAGE POLICY
The protection of Irish is in keeping with the founding principles of the Green Party. We believe that the conversation of resources is vital for a sustainable society. The Irish language is an important cultural resource for the people of Ireland north and south, but it is a vulnerable and damaged resource which needs to be protected. As the caretakers of the Earth, we have the responsibility to pass on its resources, including its cultural and linguistic resources, in a fit and healthy state to future generations. Download our Irish Language Policy.
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) has recently published a paper which clearly demonstrates that the Green Party position on the Irish Language is based on principles of human rights, in line with well-established European Law and a necesary out-working of specific committments under the 1998 British/Irish peace agreement.
The last agreed deadline between the two governments for an Irish Language Act similar to that in Wales for Welsh or the RoI for Gaelic was 2007. Until this act is passed the requirement for mutual respect between the British and Irish traditions in Nothern Ireland cannot be said to have happened.
It is our belief that this act should be implemented by Westminister in a similar manner as Gay Rights were implemented in NI recently. (gaypride) In reality, it is is not politically possible for the DUP to support either Gay Rights or European Law on Language Rights, thus there can be no concensus on these issue within NI. The belief that Gays and Lesbians should be deprived of thier rights as it might cause “serious offence” was as objectionable as current suggestions that Irish speakers should not also have their rights for fear of “understandable reactions arising from the offence caused”. This type of racism is at least as bad as sexism endured by Gays and Lesbians in NI for so long. (Mórshuil-Gaeilge)
To read the NIHRC submission click here
SUBMISSION TO CONSULTATIVE GROUP ON THE PAST
Local party member John Hardy organised and compiled the Green Party in Northern Irelands submission to the consultative group on the past regarding the recent history of violence and conflict in N.Ireland. John Hardy is the Green Party spokesperson for Human Rights in Northern Ireland. Download the submission.
SUBMISSION TO MOURNE NATIONAL PARK WORKING PARTY
Members of the Down District Greens along with members in Newry and Mourne submitted our proposals regardng he Mourne National Park to the Mourne National Park Working Party. The South Down Green Party is in favour of the principle of establishing Northern Ireland’s first National Park centered on the Mournes and Carlingford Lough. A National Park will demonstrate commitment to good environmental management for the region but must be introduced in a manner that will protect or enhance the opportunities of local people and promote rural development. Download our Submission on the National Park.
DOWN DISTRICT GREEN PARTY POLICY ON SUSTAINABILITY AND THE LAW
Submission by Green Party Councillor Cadogan Enright to the Down District Council’s Audit Committee and Corporate Plan prior to the 2009 DDC AGM regarding sustainability and the law in the Down District. Download the Submission
