Beginning
of participatory democracy.
From IRISH NEWS June 23rd, 2000
This could be a process which not only opens up policy-making but creates
more than a few jobs as well. All of the bodies designated now just have
seven days left to lodge their schemes with the Equality Commission. There
have been an awful lot of harassed people out there overloaded with submissions
but keen to have their say before it's too late.
However, the fact remains that the new statutory duty could herald the beginning
of a truly participatory democracy, one where individuals and entire communities
can directly hold public bodies accountable. It will be a steep learning
curve and no doubt it will not be without its obstacles.
It will need commitment not just from the public bodies but their watchdogs
as well. But there is no doubt this new legislation could have a significant
impact on policy across the north. The fuse may have been burning quietly,
but the new equality legislation could be about to have an explosive impact.
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