Irish National Congress
Encyclopedia
The Irish National Congress was formed in January 1990 commemorate the 75th anniversary of the 1916 Rising its members work on a non-party political, non-sectarian basis for a united Ireland, peace and human rights by peaceful means. They campaign on various other justice and peace issues, such as investigations into deaths of Nationalists in the North of Ireland, and Irish Neutrality.
Founded in 1990 where its first meeting was held in Liberty Hall, its initial meeting was chaired by activist and former Green Party Councillor Richard Greene.
The artist Robert Ballagh
chaired the Irish National Congress for 10 years and spoke on its behalf in the media. The Irish National Congress made various submissions to Irish government bodies on such things as Seanad Reform and constitutional issues.
The future TD
s Mary Lou McDonald
and Finian McGrath
both served as Leas Cathaoirleach in the organization in the mid 90's. The economist and journalist Damien Kiberd
was also involved in the Irish National Congress particularly regarding Articles 2 and 3 of the Irish Constitution.
Although it did not support any political parties many members such as Norah Comiskey and Jim Doyle were members of Fianna Fáil
and it was for a time in the 90's largely considered a forum for the more republican and left wing faction within Fianna Fáil. The Chairman (or Cathaoirleach) of the Irish National Congress is Tom Cooper. The INC is affiliated to the Irish Peace and Neutrality Alliance
.
Its members campaigned against the Lisbon Treaty referendum, many in other organisations.
The INC also campaigns against measures such as Ireland joining the Commonwealth of Nations and moves for a visit by the British monarch to the Republic of Ireland.
Founded in 1990 where its first meeting was held in Liberty Hall, its initial meeting was chaired by activist and former Green Party Councillor Richard Greene.
The artist Robert Ballagh
Robert Ballagh
Robert "Bobby" Ballagh is an Irish artist, painter and designer. He was born in Dublin and studied at the Bolton Street College of Technology. His painting style was strongly influenced by pop art...
chaired the Irish National Congress for 10 years and spoke on its behalf in the media. The Irish National Congress made various submissions to Irish government bodies on such things as Seanad Reform and constitutional issues.
The future TD
TD
TD may stand for:* Atlantis European Airways IATA designator* MG TD Midget, a car manufactured in the United Kingdom between 1950 and 1953* TD, an ITU prefix assigned to Guatemala * T.D...
s Mary Lou McDonald
Mary Lou McDonald
Mary Lou McDonald is an Irish politician, the current Vice President of Sinn Féin and a Teachta Dála for Dublin Central...
and Finian McGrath
Finian McGrath
Finian McGrath is an Irish independent politician. He has been a Teachta Dála for the Dublin North Central constituency since 2002.-Early and personal life:...
both served as Leas Cathaoirleach in the organization in the mid 90's. The economist and journalist Damien Kiberd
Damien Kiberd
Damien Kiberd is a well-known Irish journalist and commentator. He was one of the four founders of and formerly the editor of The Sunday Business Post. He is also a former business editor of The Irish Press and of the Sunday Tribune. Kiberd has also worked more recently as a presenter of news...
was also involved in the Irish National Congress particularly regarding Articles 2 and 3 of the Irish Constitution.
Although it did not support any political parties many members such as Norah Comiskey and Jim Doyle were members of Fianna Fáil
Fianna Fáil
Fianna Fáil – The Republican Party , more commonly known as Fianna Fáil is a centrist political party in the Republic of Ireland, founded on 23 March 1926. Fianna Fáil's name is traditionally translated into English as Soldiers of Destiny, although a more accurate rendition would be Warriors of Fál...
and it was for a time in the 90's largely considered a forum for the more republican and left wing faction within Fianna Fáil. The Chairman (or Cathaoirleach) of the Irish National Congress is Tom Cooper. The INC is affiliated to the Irish Peace and Neutrality Alliance
Peace and Neutrality Alliance
Peace and Neutrality Alliance is an Irish anti-war grouping and a lobby group which campaigns to protect Irish neutrality. It was involved in a number of campaigns such as those against the Iraq war, against the use of Shannon Airport by the US military, and against the Republic of Ireland...
.
Its members campaigned against the Lisbon Treaty referendum, many in other organisations.
The INC also campaigns against measures such as Ireland joining the Commonwealth of Nations and moves for a visit by the British monarch to the Republic of Ireland.