LIBERAL SOCIETY:AN ADVOCACY group founded last year to promote "liberal issues and progressive policies" will target young female voters as part of its campaign for a Yes vote in next month's Lisbon Treaty referendum.
The Liberal Society describes itself as an “independent non-aligned public advocacy group”.
Its 150 members include lawyers, economists, academics, students and business professionals, according to vice-president Abey Campbell.
The society includes several former members of the Young Progressive Democrats, including Mr Campbell, but he said its committee consists of people with existing or previous links to all the main political parties.
The Dublin-based group says it is dedicated to “promoting liberal issues and progressive policies among ordinary citizens outside the electoral process”.
Its stated objectives include the promotion of “progressive policy and meritocracy in civil society; constitutional and legislative reform to ensure greater democracy and transparency in government; and economic enterprise and the maintenance of a market economy, while ensuring the dignity and rights of employees”.
“With things like the children’s referendum coming up; and things like the blasphemy law – which is just insane – people should be out there questioning,” he said.
The society will launch a poster campaign featuring five adverts aimed at female voters aged 18-34 in Dublin city and suburbs. A majority of voters in that age group voted against the Lisbon Treaty in last year’s referendum. Its members will also canvass in Dublin.
The society decided to campaign for a Yes vote despite its membership being divided on the treaty. Some 20 per cent say they plan to vote No in the October 2nd referendum, said Mr Campbell.