Local and European Elections Campaign
'Many Happy Returns' is the theme of AONTAS Campaign for the Local and European Campaign 2009.
The Campaign was launched on May 6th 2009, against the backdrop of AONTAS fortieth birthday celebrations, as well as the Supplementary Budget 2009. In March 2009, over 37 thousand people are unemployed. A recent ESRI report has estimated that unemployment in Ireland could reach 17% by the end of 2010. Meanwhile, adult learning organisations providers and services are experiencing an increase in demand for their services. The Supplementary Budget 2009 outlines additional measures to meet the increasing need and interest in adult learning, but these measures do not go far enough.
Local & European Election Manifestos
Find out what the political parties are saying in their Manifestos about lifelong learning in the lead up to the Local & European Elections!
- Click here to download a summary of what Fianna Fail, Fine Gael, Labour Party, The Green Party and Sinn Fein have to say about lifelong learning in their European Election Manifesto.
- Click here to download a summary what they have to say about lifelong learning in their Local Election Manifestos.
Making a case for investment in adult learning!
Earlier in the year, we spoke to a number of people from Irish public life, and asked them to make a case for investment in adult learning. They included Sally Ann Kinihan from ICTU, Turlough O'Sullivan from IBEC, Professor Kathleen Lynch from UCD, Professor Colm Harmon, Director of the Geary Institute, Mary Davis, Director of Special Olympics Europe and Professor Tom Collins of NUI Maynooth.
Many thanks to NEAR tv for filming these short pieces.
Download our Campaign Resources, which include:
- A Birthday Card, highlighting the main messages of the campaign, and some questions you can ask candidates
- The Senior Learner's Manifesto, highlighting the main issues for older learners
- The Community Education Network Manifesto
- A Briefing Paper, explaining AONTAS policy positions
- A 90 second letter or e-mail to send to local candidates
- A sample press release, which you can use to send to your local media on behalf of your organisation.
How you can get involved:
- On the doorstep - question the candidates about their party line.
- Attend a public meeting in your area and ask a question.
- Distribute copies of materials through your own networks.
- Write a letter to your local candidate.
- Issue a press release to local media from your organisation.
Keep an eye on the events diary, to check on a public meeting happening in your area.
Or visit AONTAS on Twitter to keep an eye on campaign updates.
