Irish National Congress

The Irish National Congress is an Irish republican organisation formed in December 1989 to prepare for commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the 1916 Rising. Its members work on a non-party political, non-sectarian basis for a united Ireland, and human rights. They campaign on various other matters such as justice and peace issues, investigations into political deaths of nationalists and civilians in Ireland, and Irish neutrality.

Its first public meeting was held in Liberty Hall in January 1990, which was chaired by activist and former Green Party Councillor Richard Greene.

The artist Robert Ballagh chaired the organisation for 10 years and spoke on its behalf in the media,^[1] which has made various submissions to Irish government bodies on such matters as Seanad Éireann reform and constitutional issues.

The future TDs Mary Lou McDonald and Finian McGrath both served as Leas-Chathaoirleach (Vice-Chair) in the organisation in the mid-90s. Mary Lou McDonald chaired the organisation from 2000-2001. The economist and journalist Damien Kiberd was also involved in the Irish National Congress, particularly regarding Articles 2 and 3 of the Irish Constitution.^[2]

The current Chairman (or Cathaoirleach) of the Irish National Congress is Tom Cooper.^[3]

The INC has also campaigned against measures such as Ireland joining the Commonwealth^[4] and visits by the British monarch to Ireland.^[5]

The INC is affiliated to the Peace and Neutrality Alliance (PANA).

The bulletin of the INC is INC NEWS, both published in hard copy and accessible through its website.

References

External links

• Irish National Congress website