Difference between revisions of "Libertarian Reform Party"
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==McKibben== | ==McKibben== | ||
| − | David McKibben has ran the party since 1992 after the interim leader Martin McDonald stepped down. He is a famous politician both in Niploma and abroad due to his fiery speeches and continued leadership. McKibben was a member of the now-defunct Liberal Party (now effectively part of the [[Liberal-Gaelic Alliance]]) before joining the also defunct Grand Conservative Party. He was elected in the 1981 election as a youthful Deputy. He then left the party in 1985 and joined the LRP. From there he became well-known as possibly the most convincing Deputy the LRP had. His consistent hard-line speeches against the Government began the rolling snowball of support for the LRP simply as an anti-Government party. In 1992 he was narrowly elected as party leader and has retained | + | David McKibben has ran the party since 1992 after the interim leader Martin McDonald stepped down. He is a famous politician both in Niploma and abroad due to his fiery speeches and continued leadership. McKibben was a member of the now-defunct Liberal Party (now effectively part of the [[Liberal-Gaelic Alliance]]) before joining the also defunct Grand Conservative Party. He was elected in the 1981 election as a youthful Deputy. He then left the party in 1985 and joined the LRP. From there he became well-known as possibly the most convincing Deputy the LRP had. His consistent hard-line speeches against the Government began the rolling snowball of support for the LRP simply as an anti-Government party. In 1992 he was narrowly elected as party leader and has retained the position since. |
| − | As of 2000 his politics have drifted to what is normally called 'centrist' in | + | As of 2000 his politics have drifted to what is normally called 'centrist' in politics. His social beliefs have always been kept quiet - he is a devout Roman Catholic - and so have his enviromental views. Nethertheless many Niplomians would rather see him in office than any [[Social-Democratic Party of Niploma]] man. McKibben has been criticised quite often (even by LRP Deputies) for being too agressive. Indeed, McKibben made insulting remarks towards ex-PM Robert regarding his dress and apperance. However, this agressive stance has lead some of the electorate to support him for being a 'one-of-a-kind' strong liberal. |
==Party Manifesto== | ==Party Manifesto== | ||
Revision as of 13:31, 4 July 2006
This article refers to the Official Opposition in Niploma
| |
| Established | 1985 |
| Address | 3, 6th Street, Failegn |
| Political ideology | Libertarianism, Liberalism, liberal-Conservatism and Capitalism. |
| Real-Life Counterparts | US Democratic Party, US Libertarian Party, UK Liberal Democrats and (although barely) Liberal Party of Australia |
| Colours | Gold or Blue (to a lesser extent) |
| Party leader | David McKibben |
| Party president | Siobhan Clenghan |
| Motto | Freedom for Niploma |
Introduction
Formed in 1985 from ex Grand Conservative Party Deputies the LRP (or Reform Party) wanted to be a strong Libertarian party that could evolve Niploma into a safe, welcoming and thriving country. Several Deputies and Senators joined the new party and within five years they had become a major party. Now and for almosat fifteen years they have been in strong opposition. In the forthcoming 15th Niplomian General Election they are believed to win the most seats in both the Senate and the Democratic House.
Policies
Given the information from several party manifestos and speeches the Niplomian press and citizens have derrived the general overview of the Libertarian Reform Party. First and foremost it is libertarian. It supports excessive freedoms, both socially and economically. Upon creation the party motto was, 'The freer the market, the freer the people.'. Members of the LRP support huge tax cuts and promote a true capitalist economy although it should be noted they oppose a completly free economy (aka 'laissez-faire) as it would be, 'unfair upon local Niplomian businesses.' As libertarians they fully support social rights too and fully oppose the death penalty and excessive survaillence of citizens. In addition they support gay rights and take the 'pro-choice' arguement in abortion.
In referance to spending the LRP supports cuts in Law & Order spending along with cuts in Defence. It also supports cuts in social welfare. It would plan to give all this money back as 'credit for their service'. Along with the ruling People's Coalition they support no particular religion and believe in everyone's own right over religion. LRP is against devolution and is 'loyalist' in southern-Niplomian politics.
Finally, LRP holds several 'reforming' points. These aspects of the party's beliefs would radically overhaul Niploma. These include removing the PM as head of state and only as head of government/legislature. Instead the LRP supports the election of a 'President'. However, they are split over what power the President would hold. Other points include a proportionally elected senate - possibly as this would boost LRP numbers - and the removal of Niploma from the United Nations.
Branches
There are several branches within the party ranging from economical left Red Fox populists to the traditional conservatives typically named Traditionals. It is, however, the Libertarians & Reformers who form over 70% of the party base.
The Libertarians & Reformers have ran the party since the start. They are free-marketers but favour protectionism; socially they hold liberal views. However, as of recent years the party has moved to more socially centrist line with the Green Party of Niploma, Niplomian Labour Party and, to a lesser extent, the Liberal-Gaelic Alliance dictating liberal politics in Niploma. Although liberal in views the Libertarians & Reformers are almost all wary of southern seperatists. For a party that favours decentralized Government it is odd that most party members are against a devolved Government in southern Niploma. Yet, many are slowly drifting towards the line of moderacy rathern than unionism and favouring the Southern Niploma Assembly with few, if any, powers.
The second largest grouping are the Traditionals. This grouping is mostly from drifters from the ex-Grand Conservative Party. Although the LRP is economically right wing the Traditionals are both socially right and economically right wing. They favour the abolishment of social welfare apart for the very poor and the advancement of big business across Niploma. They favour solving the 'southern problem' by encouraging the rich and large business to move there and ergo Niplomise the area. Socially they are pretty much centre-right favouring allowing gays to be recougnised under the law as partners but not in a marriage. They are not fully against abortion but rather favour moving the abortion limit to twelve weeks. Although the Libertarians & Reforms may differ from the Traditionals the two consistently agree and allow a moderate party line favouring all political groupings.
The smallest, but still important, grouping are the Red Fox Populists. The Red Fox's are a rural grouping and are cited as populist due to favouring of farmers. Although occasionally ridiculed for their leftist tendancies they have become evermore useful for ensuring the LRP win over left-wing rural areas. Politically the grouping favours traditional values in Niploma coupled with economic and socially left-wing views. Their most important support group are farmers to whom they ensure great help will be given in the names of commerce funding and greater tax-cuts for farmers. Supporters claim the LRP could lose up to 5% of their support without the Red Fox Populists. In addition they would drastically isolate themselves as capitalists in a social-democratic country. The LRP consistently places these members in rural constituencies and on rurual councils to ensure the LRP has a good image amongst the rural workers and farmers.
McKibben
David McKibben has ran the party since 1992 after the interim leader Martin McDonald stepped down. He is a famous politician both in Niploma and abroad due to his fiery speeches and continued leadership. McKibben was a member of the now-defunct Liberal Party (now effectively part of the Liberal-Gaelic Alliance) before joining the also defunct Grand Conservative Party. He was elected in the 1981 election as a youthful Deputy. He then left the party in 1985 and joined the LRP. From there he became well-known as possibly the most convincing Deputy the LRP had. His consistent hard-line speeches against the Government began the rolling snowball of support for the LRP simply as an anti-Government party. In 1992 he was narrowly elected as party leader and has retained the position since.
As of 2000 his politics have drifted to what is normally called 'centrist' in politics. His social beliefs have always been kept quiet - he is a devout Roman Catholic - and so have his enviromental views. Nethertheless many Niplomians would rather see him in office than any Social-Democratic Party of Niploma man. McKibben has been criticised quite often (even by LRP Deputies) for being too agressive. Indeed, McKibben made insulting remarks towards ex-PM Robert regarding his dress and apperance. However, this agressive stance has lead some of the electorate to support him for being a 'one-of-a-kind' strong liberal.
Party Manifesto
The most recent party manifesto is Sensible Government for Niploma subtitled with the party motto, Freedom for Niploma. It is believed McKibben wrote most of it and is the most centrist manifesto as of yet. However, it is still a Liberal piece of literature - both socially and economically.
It outlined several key party policies with the main being:
- New Government
A direct hit at the ex-SIP and Social-Democratic Party of Niploma and ruling them out of any coalition under LRP rule.
- Economic Freedom
Severe tax breaks in Defence, Law & Order and, controversially, Social Welfare/Equality. Along with returning this money as tax breaks the LRP also ensures a free market and a Government sponsored Niplomian Stock Exchange. If so Niploma would be a typical capitalistic country.
- Reform
End Govt. corruption, losen ties with Anumist Alliance, referundem on UN and an elected President as a possible.
- Decentralized Government
Favouring a Mayor and Council for every city and a possible regional government system.
Other points hinted at a more centre views social policy and at agreeing with a coalition with the Democratic Party of Niploma, Green Party of Niploma and Liberal-Gaelic Alliance.
