Draft Manifesto update
Seanad Election 2025
Ireland stands at a crossroads, where experience must meet innovation to shape a future that is fair, inclusive, and prosperous for all. The Seanad is the perfect place to drive this vision—a chamber designed to ensure thoughtful debate, provide rigorous oversight of legislation, and champion the issues that demand long-term thinking.
I am running for the Seanad because it is where my heart lies. With over 40 years of campaigning for LGBTQ+ rights and a lifetime of experience in journalism and public service, I bring a commitment to justice and a proven track record of standing up for what’s right, even when it’s contentious. At the same time, I bring fresh ideas and a common-sense approach to tackling Ireland’s challenges, ensuring that the Seanad continues to be a force for positive change.
The Seanad’s role as a watchdog over the Dáil is vital, ensuring that every piece of legislation is rigorously scrutinized to serve the people of Ireland. I will work to guarantee that every bill is fit for a modern Ireland—one that values fairness, equality, and opportunity for all.
My Key Priorities
1. Combating Domestic Violence
Domestic violence remains one of Ireland’s most urgent social issues. I will champion policies that protect victims and provide meaningful pathways to recovery.
- I will advocate for Ireland’s first dedicated refuges for men and safe spaces for LGBTQ+ survivors, ensuring support for all victims, regardless of gender or sexual orientation..
- I will push for wraparound services, including trauma recovery programs, legal aid, and mental health supports to help survivors rebuild their lives and relationships with respect, integrity, compassion, and hope.
My hands-on experience with Men’s Aid and leading refuges such as Sonas equips me to deliver practical and impactful solutions to this critical issue.
2. Affordable Housing and Student Accommodation
Housing should be a right, not a burden. I will work to make affordable housing accessible for all, with a particular focus on students and first-time buyers.
- I will prioritize grants and supports for first-time buyers, informed by my personal experience of how transformative these policies can be.
- I will advocate for student accommodation to be a national priority, ensuring students can focus on their education and personal growth without undue financial strain.
Housing is the foundation of stability, and I am committed to solutions that address the needs of every generation.
3. Advocating for Education
Education is key to building a fairer and more innovative Ireland. I will advocate for access to education at all levels and support lifelong learning opportunities.
- I will push for policies that reduce financial barriers for students, from affordable tuition to accessible retraining and upskilling opportunities.
- I will work to ensure that education policies support students, professionals, and business owners in adapting to a rapidly changing world.
4. Flexible Retirement Options
Retirement should reflect choice, not obligation. I will advocate for flexible retirement options that respect the contributions of older people while allowing them to continue participating in society however they choose.
- I will champion staggered retirement policies that give professionals, the self-employed, and business owners the flexibility to balance work and personal goals.
This approach recognizes the invaluable experience of older generations and their role in Ireland’s economic and social fabric.
5. LGBTQ+ Advocacy
For over four decades, I have been a dedicated campaigner for LGBTQ+ rights. I will bring this passion and experience to the Seanad to ensure continued progress toward equality.
- I will fight for policies that eliminate discrimination, such as the right for gay and bisexual men to donate blood and a ban on conversion therapy.
- I will work to ensure that LGBTQ+ voices are represented and supported in every aspect of Irish life.
Additional Commitments
Nationally:
- I will support the creation of a Commission on Taxation to ensure fairer tax policies for small business owners and the self-employed.
- I will back the “Accommodation First” model to address homelessness and related mental health and addiction issues.
- I will advocate for greater support for carers and families.
- I will fight to ensure equal access to politics for women and minority groups.
Internationally:
- I support The Occupied Territories Bill for Gaza
- I support stopping military support for Israel
- I will advocate for stopping the US Shannon stop over
Why I Am Running
At this stage in my life, I bring the wisdom of decades of advocacy and professional experience combined with the energy and perspective needed to confront Ireland’s challenges head-on. My career as a journalist has taught me not to shy away from difficult or contentious issues, and my work as a campaigner has shown me the power of persistence in achieving progress.
The Seanad is Ireland’s place for deeper debate, stronger accountability, and lasting solutions. I will ensure that it remains a force for fairness, rigorously examining legislation to deliver what the people of Ireland truly need.
This election is not about popularity; it is about principle, and I will stand for what is right, even when it is difficult. Together, we can build a better Ireland, one decision at a time.
3 Responses
Hi Derek
Your manifesto is exactly what I thought it would be. Compassionate and a powerful advocacy for human dignity and equality. We will be very lucky to have you as a member of the Seanad with your wide knowledge of human rights issues which of course is the root of all disquiet.
Thank you Honor, your support is very much appreciated dx
As you say Derek this election is not about popularity its about principle something you have in abundance and are not shy about sharing when asked. I have every confidence that you are the right man for the job.