Liberalism central to progress across Ireland

12.30.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sat 22nd Apr 2006

Young Alliance Chair Ian James Parsley meets the Tánaiste at the invitation of the Young Progressive Democrats in Limerick this evening, to press the case for a Liberal approach to all-island issues, not least the quest for a proper democratic settlement in the North.

Cllr Parsley will say: "We are greatly privileged in the youth wing of the Alliance Party to have such strong relations with our colleagues in the Young Progressive Democrats. It must not be overlooked that Alliance is the only political party in the North to have a direct link to a governing party in Dublin. The Irish Government's recent promotion of economic links and 'Shared Future' policies is testament to that.

"Irish Liberalism as a political tradition on both sides of the border is also too often overlooked. The Enlightenment tradition promoted by Irish Liberals brought prosperity with a commitment to fairness and justice to Ireland over a century ago, and Liberals in the Progressive Democrats have had influence well beyond their numbers in the Republic's astonishing economic turnaround.

"Too often cross-border cooperation is looked at from a 'top-down' perspective, as if it is something Government does and people follow. The Liberal approach is much more effective - it promotes cooperation among people first, and Government intervention only where necessary.

"The construction industry, media and sport are among many examples of genuine, mutually beneficial cross-border cooperation on that basis. Once again, Liberals across Ireland are setting the progressive standard.

"We look forward to an ongoing strong relationship with our friends in the Progressive Democrats, and to increased collaboration between parties which share a radical, progressive and pro-European agenda."

ENDS