Irish National Congress
| Irish National Congress Comhdháil Násiúnta na hÉireann | |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1989 |
| Type | NGO |
| Headquarters | Dublin, Ireland |
| Chair/Cathaoirleach | Tom Cooper |
| Website | www.inc-cne.com |
The Irish National Congress is an republican organisation formed in December 1989 to prepare for commemoration of 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 Northern Ireland, and Irish neutrality.
Its first public meeting was held in Liberty Hall in January 1990, which was chaired by activist and former Green Party Councillor Richard Greene.
The artist Robert Ballagh chaired the organisation for 10 years and spoke on its behalf in the media,[1] which has made various submissions to Irish government bodies on such matters as Seanad Éireann reform and constitutional issues.
The future TDs Mary Lou McDonald and Finian McGrath both served as Leas-Chathaoirleach (Vice-Chair) in the organisation in the mid-90s. Mary Lou McDonald chaired the organisation from 2000-2001. The economist and journalist Damien Kiberd was also involved in the Irish National Congress, particularly regarding Articles 2 and 3 of the Irish Constitution.[2]
Although it does not support any political parties, many members such as Nora Comiskey and Jim Doyle were members of Fianna Fáil and it was for a time in the 90s considered as a forum for, among others, the more republican and left-wing element within Fianna Fáil. The current Chairman (or Cathaoirleach) of the Irish National Congress is Tom Cooper.[3] The INC is affiliated to the Peace and Neutrality Alliance (PANA).
The INC has also campaigned against measures such as Ireland joining the Commonwealth[4] and visits by the British monarch to the Republic of Ireland. [5]
References
- ↑ Robert Ballagh Profile Aosdana - Arts Council website
- ↑ INC Campaign Gathers Steam - An Phoblacht/Republican News
- ↑ “What The Proclamation Means To Me” By Tom Cooper (Cathaoirlaeach, Irish National Congress)
- ↑ Re-Britishing the Irish State by Tom Cooper, Cathaoirleach Irish National Congress Monday January 05, 2009
- ↑ Now is not the time for royal visit, Irish Examiner, Tuesday, March 08, 2011