Dundee LibDems welcome online alternative to conference season
Dundee Liberal Democrats have today (Friday 15th September) welcomed the launch of "Taking Power", an online "virtual conference" designed to re-engage the public in political discussion.
Arising from the publication of the POWER Report earlier this year, Taking Power is an alternative to the traditional Party Conferences that take place each autumn. The conference runs until October 6th, and anyone is free to take part by visiting www.takingpower.org.
Dundee Liberal Democrats have emphasised that this is an excellent alternative to the Conference season, allowing people to debate the recommendations of the POWER report and put their views across to prominent members of the three main parties.
Taking Power was launched by Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Menzies Campbell on Wednesday, 7th September. People are invited to take part in daily debates and public opinion polls on the Taking Power website www.takingpower.org. Special events, such as debates with political figures, will also take place over the conference month.
The final report of the POWER Inquiry was published in February 2006, two years after the Inquiry was set up to explore how political participation and involvement in the UK could be increased. Its recommendations included: Decentralisation of powers from central to local government; Reduction of the voting age to 16; Capping of donations from individuals to parties at £10,000, with state funding to support local activity by political parties and independent candidates. These findings were debated at a Conference in May by leading politicians including Sir Menzies Campbell and Tory Leader David Cameron
The 2006 Liberal Democrat Federal Conference is being held in Brighton and starts this Saturday.