THE LAST WORD
By Pat Coughlan
Democracy, to me, is more than just a system of governance; it’s the bedrock of our freedoms and rights. It ensures that every voice, no matter how small, is heard. As Thomas Jefferson once said: “The purpose of government is to enable the people of a nation to live in safety and happiness.”
The importance of democracy lies in its ability to provide a platform for diverse opinions and safeguard individual liberties. Political warnings about its threats are not to be taken lightly, as they often stem from real concerns about maintaining these fundamental principles.
When American leaders talk about “democracy as we know it,” they often evoke a system rooted in free elections, checks and balances, and individual rights. But it’s democracy as they know it.
So what really constitutes democracy? At its core, democracy means that power lies with the people, who can elect representatives and influence governance through various mechanisms. As TP O’Connor, an Irish political figure, said: “The Irish people have not frittered away their time. They have not lost or dimmed the clear apprehension of the truth that all authority comes from the people.” It’s an ever-evolving concept, shaped by culture, history and societal values, making its interpretation somewhat fluid and subject to ongoing debate and critical examination. Understanding these complexities is essential in assessing the validity of political warnings.
Barack Obama has often highlighted the necessity of defending global democracy, stressing that it requires constant vigilance and international co-operation. EU leaders like Angela Merkel, drawing from Germany’s historical experiences, underscore the importance of robust democratic institutions. Emmanuel Macron, championing European unity, sees it as a bulwark against authoritarianism. These leaders collectively illustrate that the challenges to democracy are universal and addressing them demands a concerted global effort. Their perspectives remind us that democracy’s defence is a shared responsibility.
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has said: “We must be ever vigilant in safeguarding our democracy, ensuring it remains a living, breathing entity that serves all its people, not just a select few.” Locally and nationally, we must remain vigilant to ensure that our democratic values are upheld and protected. Micheál Martin believes that taking democracy for granted can erode its very foundations. Arlene Foster has highlighted the issue of political polarisation, which is increasingly evident in both Ireland and the UK. This polarisation can weaken democratic institutions by fostering division and mistrust.
Hillary Clinton has long warned about the dangers of voter suppression, pointing to tactics like stringent ID laws and limited polling stations that disproportionately affect marginalised communities. Boris Johnson, on the other hand, has raised alarms about foreign interference, citing instances of cyber-attacks and disinformation campaigns aimed at swaying public opinion. These statements undermine the democratic process as it causes voters to question the legitimacy of election results. We should believe in our process and defend it.
Mary Lou McDonald has often cautioned about the pernicious effects of misinformation on public trust. She argues that false narratives can deeply undermine confidence in democratic institutions. Justin Trudeau, meanwhile, champions the protection of a free Press as essential to countering misinformation. He believes that a robust and independent media is crucial for maintaining democratic discourse. Together, their perspectives highlight the delicate balance between combating misinformation and ensuring a free, informed public.
Joe Biden’s presidency made a point of restoring and maintaining democratic norms, especially after the divisiveness witnessed during Donald Trump’s tenure. Biden’s efforts highlight the struggle to keep democratic standards steady amidst rising political polarisation. Arlene Foster, too, points out the profound erosion in respectful political debate. The challenge isn’t merely political opposition but the deepening ideological divides which complicate consensus-building and mutual respect, fundamental to democracy’s survival.
Reflecting on the various perspectives and threats discussed, it’s clear that political warnings about democracy can be genuine but also alarming. From voter suppression to misinformation, the challenges are real and multifaceted. Ultimately, safeguarding our democratic values requires constant effort and awareness, ensuring that the principles we hold dear are preserved for future generations.
The first step is to defend our democratic decision-making system and to do that we need to ensure that investigation of failure and decisions on change are made in Dáil Éireann and not the courts.
