Learning from the Swedish

• So far behind.. - 09-09-2006 18:20:36 - Only logged activists can post a comment, please sign in or register here

  Oh hangover this morning, up early....
  
  Ireland really still is decades behind European countries like Sweden....in whatever area...infrastructure, public transport, childcare, indigenous knowledge industries, female political participation....
  
  Ireland is very economically sucessful now, largely based on our low corporation tax, but we have many areas in which to improve. Looking to places like Sweden for lessons can only help.
  
  We were helping at a Social Democrats stand today outside a shopping and cultural center. Again, we met many friendly and mature activists, got some campaigning ideas and collected some email addresses.
  
  A Social Democrat Member of Parliament was there and the first thing he said when he knew I was Irish - "Ah, with the low corporation tax! Social Dumping!!". I didnt mention it was our own Labour Finance minster who secured this critical competitive advantage for Ireland.
  
  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_Ireland_corporation_tax
  
  Knowing how large and complex an issue tax is in Europe is now, I just changed topic. He did say they are now knocking on doors to meet people more now, just like we do in Ireland. I said I admired the way so many candiadates were so young (and female), which is not the case in Ireland.
  
  But again, the amount of resources the Social Democrats can bring to a campaign is huge and nothing compared to us in Ireland. But there is no reason we can not learn from the activist energy, organization and campaigning ideas. Not everything can be copied of course, the Irish political culture is different, some things would just not work with Irish people in addition to the different electoral systems.
  
  We want to hit an Irish pub tonight (must be done!), maybe some food, maybe chat to some Swedish girls :), then meet up for the last nite with our friends in SSU.
  
  If James doesnt snore again tonite, I might even get some sleep.... :)
  
  Home tomorrow....

   

• comment(s):

  • Carlos Moret - 22-09-2006 16:18:18

    Shame for the Social Democrat Member of Parliament's comment; is that the way we want to build Europe? If I got things right, your low corporate taxes don't trickle down enough. I would have felt bad if I got a comment on France's NO to the constitution, but that is democracy. Sweeds have also something to learn. Hope you did well with the sweedish girls.

   

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