Second Republic is a non-partisan civic group campaigning for political reform in Ireland. We advocate a citizens’ assembly as a means to place citizens at the heart of the refounding of our state. Read More

• Who we are
• What we want
• How we’re getting it

• Second Republic is a movement of people dedicated to achieving political reform in Ireland. We believe that reform should not be decided by politicians or expert groups in isolation. It needs to be citizen led.

  We are a volunteer organisation of ordinary people of all ages and from all walks of life, brought together by a common commitment to wanting a better Ireland of the future.

  Second Republic is politically non-aligned way to ensure that the broad range of views on the necessary changes are voiced and debated and so that we can engage with all citizens completely.

  “Second Republic is an invitation to form a sustained, serious and credible campaign for political reform in Ireland.”

• Second Republic proposes the establishment of a Citizens’ Assembly to deliberate and decide on what reforms there should be. This Assembly may include politicians and constitutional experts, but it must:

  • Have a representative cross-section of Irish people, who will have the final say in its recommendations;
  • Make recommendations on reform within twelve months of its formation;
  • Have its recommendations put to the people in a referendum within six months of its conclusion.

  A citizen-led process of reform is currently underway in Iceland, following the financial crisis there. Canada and the Netherlands have also used processes like this to decide on political reforms.

• Second Republic engages in a number of on-going campaigns to promote it aims. These include challenging and inspiring people to imagine a new Ireland, engaging with people and public representatives and highlighting the need for reform.

  Since we started our campaign in 2010, all of the main political parties have adopted policies advocating processes citizen involvement in the process of reform. The Programme for Government made between Fine Gael and Labour have echoed these promises. We invite the parties in the Oireachtas to take that leap of faith and to re-found the republic.

  Join in too!

  If you share our aims, why don’t you join in too? Sign up to one of our mailing lists or get in touch.

  We’d love to hear from you!