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Political group uses internet to garner support 
The Facebook phenomenon which continues to grip both Britain and Ireland
is fast becoming a valuable tool for a political group with an Irish message.
More than 100 people have already signed up to a new Labour Party Irish
Society group, set-up just two months ago by the society’s vice-chairman
Conor McGinn.
The LPIS hopes to reap the rewards from its timely tactic by gaining better
access to younger generations who may want to go into politics and by
targeting the increasingly popular world of social networking sites.
With Facebook still the hottest option for the masses the LPIS also expect
to further their main aim: To promote the interests of the Irish community
in Britain through the network.
LPIS vice-chair Conor McGinn created the group in December and told The
Irish Post: “We are delighted with the response we are receiving;
we have had over 100 members join the group in just two months.
“This ranges from cabinet members to councillors and students, which
is the kind of varied membership we were hoping for.
“We know there are a large number of second-generation Irish youngsters
who are looking to branch into politics and we want to make sure they
pick the right party.
“What better way than to reach out to those young people through
a social networking tool which they widely use.”
Later this month the LPIS will hold their AGM at the House of Commons,
where members will be addressed by Harriet Harman MP, Deputy Leader of
the Labour Party and a long-term supporter of the Irish community in Britain.
Mr McGinn said: “The Facebook group was a new thing for us and that
is fitting to what we are about now.
“The interesting thing is for many years the Irish involvement in
the Labour Party was centred on activities regarding the peace process
— which we were very proud to do.
“But there remains a huge range of other issues affecting the Irish
community every day, which is what we are focusing on now.”
The LPIS offers free membership to all Labour Party members who identify
as Irish.
For more information visit www.lpis.org.uk
or contact them on info@lpis.org.uk |
