Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I, too, welcome the opportunity to speak today on the International Day of Democracy. Notwithstanding the difficulties faced by this State during the past two years, we often to fail to recognise we have the benefits of democracy. Notwithstanding that there are difficulties and issues to which we must face up. However, this is done against the backdrop of having an open democracy which allows us and the people to express our opinions in a free and fair manner.

International Day of Democracy has an important role to play in highlighting the fundamental values that form the heart of our political beliefs. It has a special resonance this year, a year when the Arab Spring took hold and a wave of change swept aside apparently unshakeable corrupt dictatorships, one during which brave men and women continue to resist oppression and tyranny in Syria despite the vicious crackdown they have endured during the past few months. Those of us who historically enjoy remarkable security, free and fair elections, the inalienable right to free expression, to engage with an independent media or to have our laws interpreted by an independent Judiciary would do well to look across to the convulsions in the Arab world and the suffering that people there have endured in their struggle to secure what we take for granted.

Across the globe authoritarianism continues to fester in many countries. In central Asia, post Soviet dictatorships continue to hold a firm grip on their societies. In Burma deeply compromised elections mask the military junta's continued grip on power. In Europe, political opposition in Belarus has been continually crushed by evil dictatorship. The advances of the "colour" revolutions in Eastern Europe over the past decade show signs of slippage. The international community, in particular those of us in the EU, must show real leadership here. Our commitment to open political competition, a climate of respect for civil liberties, significant independent civic life and independent media should underpin our foreign policy in conjunction with our European partners.

The European model of governance is founded upon the ideal of democracy and the concept of the inherent equality of every human being. It is an ideal that underpins the guiding principles of our Republic. Remembering that the struggle for freedom, for which generations of Irish men and women fought on our behalf, continues for many oppressed people across the world today we should also reflect upon how we can deepen democracy in Ireland. I hope that the Government's promises of political reform are not simply political speak. I believe there is a deeply held view among Irish people that we too need to reform. Our democracy has grown and political and economic life has changed and there is a necessity for us to reform the manner in which we interpret democracy in this House. I trust that the Government will continue to bring reforms in that regard.

Fianna Fáil set out a comprehensive series of measures to fundamentally reform the democratic system in Ireland in order to reconnect with the citizen. As democracies emerge and the principles become common across a particular State or country, the connection with the citizen that brought about democracy, as is emerging in the Arab world in particular, can be lost. Over the passage of time, the political process can develop an elitism and a remove from the people it seeks to represent. There is a necessity to re-establish that connection. As I stated, that has been the plank of Fianna Fáil's approach in terms of improving our democratic system. Our ideas of a citizens assembly to reform the Constitution, broadening out Cabinet membership, enhancing Dáil oversight and political party finance reform have the potential to imbue democracy in Ireland with fresh meaning.

I trust the Government will take the initiative in ensuring democracy remains at the heart of our politics at home and abroad.

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