New Sinn Féin economic document

The role of the community in economic development will be brought to the fore by Sinn Féin next weekend at a special conference in Monaghan. Party members will consider an important new discussion document, entitled Putting People First. It re-examines Sinn Féin's vision of a socialist republic that grants economic justice to all in a wider context which sets out for the first time the role of a new economic sector - the social economy, created by the innovation and enterprise of local communities. It is a sector which Sinn Féin believes realigns economic development within a community perspective and places the needs of communities throughout Ireland at the centre of economic policy making.

The document was produced by the party's Policy Review and Development Department. Below we print an extract.


We identify a newly emerging third economic sector in the Irish economy, a sector driven by the communities and groups abandoned by formal structures and policy  

Eradicating injustice


The essential measurement of any process which seeks to effect change in society should be the degree to which it is relevant to ordinary people's needs. It must be meaningful and visible. This condition applies as much to economic and social development as it does to political life.

Sinn Féin's ultimate aim is to realise an entirely new social and economic order in Ireland which cherishes all our people equally and prizes equality and social justice.

The reality of today's Ireland is that we remain some distance from such transformation. Ordinary people and whole communities within urban and rural Ireland endure entrenched unemployment, poverty, emigration, multifaceted disadvantage, social exclusion and endemic inequalities. Sinn Féin's activists live and work with such stark realities. We recognise the absolute imperative of bringing about economic and social change within our society. Our party has at the core of our political programme a commitment to eradicate the causes of these prevailing injustices.

Fundamental change


Meaningful socio-economic change of the scale required cannot be simply legislated into existence. Legislative change is indisputably crucial, but effecting truly fundamental change in the economic and social experience of our people must be embedded within a process which empowers and is led by local communities. To do otherwise merely leaves intact the structures which will inevitably recreate economic and social inequalities and the continued exclusion of communities from decision making which affect their lives.

Sinn Féin believes socio-economic change must be shaped by the needs and expectations of ordinary people. We contend that the orthodox approach to economic planning and development has contributed to the already mentioned range of difficulties within our communities. This can only be reversed by redefining the process by which decisions are made and change is effected. Ultimately, this must translate into local communities being allowed to become centrally involved in planning and making decisions about economic development programmes which directly affect them.

People-centred approach


Adopting a people-centred approach to economic development encourages innovation and participation. It stimulates new forms of enterprise and most crucially fosters democratic models of community economic regeneration. Sinn Féin believes that placing an emphasis upon what has become known as the social economy provides a vital framework for practically involving local communities in the formulation of strategies designed to effect immediate change to their own lives, Moreover, it creates opportunities for people to begin exercising a seminal influence over future economic and social structures in Ireland. By drawing from the experience of and practice of the social economy, communities can begin to democratise the nature of economic development.

Putting people first


The document Putting People First elaborates on Sinn Féin's vision of a central role for local communities in creating a new Ireland.

The document sets out the nature and scale of the social and economic problems which beset communities throughout Ireland. We identify a newly emerging third economic sector in the Irish economy, a sector driven by the communities and groups abandoned by formal structures and policy. Sinn Féin advocates comprehensive support for the community regeneration initiatives that have sprung from this third sector.

The document also examines the formal economic activity of the public and private sectors, of the inward investors, the EU and the relationship of all these groups with the state. We believe that fundamental questions must be asked on how the relationships between these groups/institutions and the local communities that make up the actual community operate.

Most importantly the document is prescriptive and contains an extensive range of policy proposals and initiatives. Sinn Féin also believes that the development of a vibrant social economy would make a significant contribution to the achievement of a durable political settlement in our country based on peace, equality and prosperity.

Sinn Féin applauds the longstanding dedication and commitment of community groups and activists to realising meaningful socio-economic change. In publishing Putting People First we pledge our support for their efforts and their vision. Our elected representatives and membership will continue to work in partnership with our communities to bring about the conditions and structures which will give full expression to this vision of change.

Putting People First will act as a policy framework within which Sinn Féin will campaign and negotiate with local communities the trade union movement, private and public sector bodies as well as Government itself.

Ultimately the aim of the document is put strategies, ideas and arguments forward that show clearly it is possible in 1997 to make the case for meaningful economic and social change in Ireland and that it is the local communities of Ireland who hold the key to put people first in Ireland.