Third Europe-wide Innovation in Political Awards now open for Irish nominations
The third Europe-wide Innovation in Politics Awards is calling for nominations of Irish politicians who have played a significant role in developing new and inspiring projects in the areas of human rights, democracy, community, civil society, ecology, prosperity, job creation and quality of life.
Established in 2017 by the Vienna based Innovation in Politics Institute, the Awards are an opportunity to acknowledge politicians when they truly make a difference and to highlight Irish innovation to the rest of Europe.
Dublin City University is the partner institution for the awards in Ireland.
Deiric O’Broin from the School of Law and Government said:
"The decisions and actions of politicians affect all of us in our daily lives. The Innovation in Politics Awards seeks to identify and promote innovative political decision making that makes a real and positive difference to people and communities around Ireland. Political courage and vision are often required to make things happen that result in effective solutions to issues at a local, regional, national or international level - to make good politics. It is important to showcase examples of good politics, even more so when democracy itself is facing challenge and when trust in politics needs rebuilding."
Ronny Zuckermann co-founder of the Innovation in Politics Institute added:
"A 2018 Eurobarometer survey reveals that an increasing number of Europeans distrust both national governments and national parliaments. This is challenge for all of us. The Innovation in Politics Awards provides a platform to inspire people about the value of democracy and politics. They promote exceptional efforts of politicians to work towards strengthening European values, and better social balance, while engaging people to be involved in decision making that affects them and their communities."
A jury of over 1,000 citizens across Europe adjudicate on the entries and select the most innovative projects annually. The 2019 Awards will be announced in Berlin on 4 December 2019.
Of the 80 European finalists in 2018, nine were Irish including:
- Dr. Katherine Zappone, Minister Children and Youth Affairs
- Seán Kyne, former Minister of State for Rural Affairs and Natural Resources and Cllr. Patsy O’Brien former Chair of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly.
- Cllr. Declan Hurley, Cork County Council
- Cllr. Andrew Montague, Dublin City Council
Participation of citizens is a key element of the Awards, either as nominators or as jurors. Everyone aged over 16 can apply to become a juror and to join with others in the opportunity select and learn about exemplar political initiatives from across Europe.
The closing date for nominations is July 15th and details of how to nominate are here. And anyone interested in becoming a juror can apply here.