New political ideals ravaged by ... politics

A year ago, a new political party was formed, promising grand ideals and a break from old guard. But infighting and a lack of structure has ravaged its intentions, writes Micheal Clifford

ELIZABETH HOURIHANE saw something new here. A political party of the people, by the people, for the people. Direct Democracy Ireland (DDI) was pledging to hand back power to the citizens who had been feeling disenfranchised since the collapse of the economy in 2008.

DDI — its leaders described it as a “service” rather than a party — was based on the premise that major political decisions should be made through referendum. This came after seismic decisions such as the 2008 bank guarantee, and the 2010 troika bailout, taken at the behest of the cabinet.