RENUA are actively campaigning to protect the right to free speech in Ireland. We are deeply concerned about
the increasing intolerance of diverse viewpoints in Irish public life. Unfortunately,
citizens holding traditional, patriotic, religious or spiritual views are often
bullied and marginalised, stifling the open debate upon which a free and
democratic society depends.
In a democracy, alternative
points of view must be respected. RENUA are against the use of ‘political correctness’ to
bully and censor people. We are against the spread of political censorship by
the State, mainstream media and 'Big Tech'. We oppose the government's plans to introduce so called ‘hate speech’ laws to
silence genuine and important political debate about topics that politicians
and certain interest groups may find ‘sensitive’.
We believe that it is essential
that a free and democratic society must hear different opinions that are sincerely held
and respectfully presented. RENUA are totally committed to the values of
freedom of thought and speech which lie at the heart of democracy.
RENUA is actively supporting the current campaign by farmers to secure fair prices from processors and against the FG-supported Mercosur trade deal.
RENUA sees farming as the beating heart of rural Ireland. Our farmers produce products that are of the highest quality with high welfare standards with due care for the environment. However the survival of Irish family farms and rural communities are now at stake as a result of decades of political neglect by Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the EU.
Over the past decade, the
State has abandoned family farms in favour of industrial scale producers and
processors. Many farming families are now facing ruin due to the EU demand that
Ireland accept the importation of low cost beef from South America under the
proposed Mercosur trade deal. This beef will be transported across thousands of miles at a
huge cost in terms of carbon footprint. At the same time, the State is imposing
increasing carbon taxes that penalise farmers and rural residents.
RENUA condemns the fact that Fine Gael and Fianna Fail have abandoned Irish farmers and rural communities in favour of the interests of big business and globalisation.