Join the new world

1) There has been increasing calls for more war involvement by many eUK citizens. What are your thoughts on this? How could it best be achieved and is engaging in new wars even desirable.

David900: "War is something which is part of eRepublik. But we shouldn't be rushing into wars just because people want them. War is only useful if we have a chance of winning, and so we must work on a series of reforms to make us a country to be reckoned with. Then we can talk about war."

Jacen Molare: "I understand the need by some for war. War allows citizens to gain valuable XP, something which can in turn feed into the economy, with higher skilled workers producing more and better quality products. War also improves certain areas of the economy itself, with more food of higher quality being purchased to feed troops, and guns-an obvious purchase during war time. War also allows for the training of troops-better troops can help in the defence of our homeland in the event of an attack on eUK soil.

All that being said, I am inherently against war as an imperialistic endeavour. Having experienced the debacle that was Operation: French Toast I saw just how costly war can be to the eUK. It is a situation we have thankfully not suffered from too much long term, but many could point at this scenario and blame it for a great many things (the loss of eBelgium, lower funds etc).

It is my belief that planned war is the way forward for those citizens who want to experience the thrill of battle. Planned war has sustainable objectives; damage to the economy is kept to a minimum; citizens gain XP and the chance to use the hospital, thereby potentially increasing wellness; and soldiers get the chance to boost their stats and rank. I feel it should be up to the eUK government and the military to organise planned wars on a regular basis, so that citizens can receive all these things, and the economy has a regular boost (through food and weapons sales). This means that in the event of a real war being declared on the eUK, we have an army, and a citizenry who can, and are, ready to fight. But we must not engage in war just for the fun of it, and certainly not in unplanned, imperialistic dog fights, that could cost us much more than we ever gain."


2) On the national scene, tell us about any particular pet projects you have or certain issues you feel very strongly about?

David900: "I don't have any pet projects. I believe very strongly in many things: NHS reform; government transparancy, amongst other things."

Jacen Molare: "There are two main issues I feel strongly about-welcoming new citizens and international alliances.

I feel that the government should endorse schemes that aim to assist new citizens, but should also take the initiative itself. Official information drives, welcome wagons or any other such thing are excellent endeavours, but I feel the government help should go beyond just information. Companies should be encourage, and where appropriate, subsidised to help create jobs that are specifically aimed at new, low XP citizens. Most q1 jobs pay out a small amount, and this can be difficult to live on. I fear that these initial difficulties in life in the New World put many off, and we lose potentially great citizens due to the fact that life is so tough, with very little pay off in those first few days/weeks. I would like to push for a government drive to create low Q jobs that have a decent wage. Of course this would need to be subsidised by the government, and current financial issues may prevent this from happening sooner. However, when citizens have more money, it would be my hope they would continue to spend it, only on higher Q products (like q3 food instead of q1). Any money the government invests in subsidies is going to come back through the taxes on the food. It may take some time to convince Parliament, but this will be something I will be arguing for and campaigning for the sake of new citizens.

Another area I feel extremely passionate is the European Social Alliance. One of the first voices to start talking about an European alliance, I fully support the efforts of Squiddy and others to raise awareness and dialogue about the ESA. Indeed, if elected to Parliament, I will be calling for an information drive as a first step to becoming part of the ESA.

Now some might then ask my views regarding Atlantis. I believe that organisation is a flawed one, perhaps fatally so. After seeing so many disasters and debacles with them, I wonder if it can be saved. However, I still support the government’s efforts to rectify that situation and to effect meaningful change within Atlantis. However, time and again I have heard empty promises about how Atlantis can and will change! I hope it does, but I have had so many unfulfilled promises that I wonder if it can!

I also believe that membership of the ESA and Atlantis need not be mutually exclusive. The ESA can be a largely social and diplomatic alliance with our geopolitical neighbours in Europe (much like the EU) whilst Atlantis can still remain a primarily military alliance (like the RL NATO). I know Atlantis have threatened to throw out any member who joins the ESA, and this saddens me. Perhaps this says more about Atlantis than it does about the ESA.

Nevertheless, in regards to my views about international treaty, I feel the decision to join the ESA should not be just a government decision. We are some way away from a workable European alliance, but I believe that the government must commit to finding out information, and then informing the people. Once that has been done, then the people must have their say. As this is a social union, and the architects have specifically said it must not be like Atlantis in terms of its secrecy, it must be an informed population that makes the choice regarding membership. This campaign may take months, or even years, but I believe a closer union with our European neighbours is the way forward, regardless of any past relations with those same neighbours."


3) The Northern Ireland Senate - it was established more than a month ago but some of the final detail are still being ironed out. Is there anything specific about the NIS you would like to change or improve?

David900: "The Senate is not my strong point. I admit this. I think the principle of a local senate or council is one which has taken off around the country. The constitution is quite thorough. I think the key role of the congressman is to encourage people to get involved."

Jacen Molare: "I feel my views and efforts about the Senate have been more than public. The Senate was always one of my objectives during previous terms in Parliament. I am as committed to it now as I ever was. I would like to continue to help it develop and grow, and believe my involvement has helped that process more than hindered (I hope).

In terms of specific areas of growth, I would like to see more involvement in regional politics by the citizens of the region. Where more people become interested and involved, I can definitely see growth in the membership of the Senate, which can be a good thing where done appropriately. I would also like to see the current departments figure out just exactly what their function is, and to have sustainable and achievable goals for each department laid out. Also, more development on this Congressional Debate process...since starting it up, this will be the second properly facilitated debate participated in by the candidates. I would like to see this grow, where citizens could actively partake in the process, and candidates could maybe even have a round where they question each other on their respective manifestos.

Regardless of whether I am elected or not, I will still aim to assist the region in any way I can, be it in politics, or any other arena."


4) If you get elected, what plans do you have for bringing more people to Northern Ireland and improving activity and debate in the region?

David900: "I think that the biggest plus of living in NI is the Q5 hospital, which is the main reason the military is here. Rather than recruiting directly, I think increasing the size of the military is the easiest way to get people to move. I will therefore work with the Unity Party and the Ministry of Defence on recruitment."

Jacen Molare: "As mentioned above, I feel the Senate can be an active part in increasing activity, especially for those who are drawn to the political aspects of this game. However there are more to this game than politics...

I would like to see the work of NISBO grow and continue. I feel this organisation can be essential in increasing awareness and activity in the region, as well as provide an important service, especially for new members. If elected, I would like to work with the Senate and all appropriate parties to make NISBO the organisation I envisage it could be, where it keeps people informed and involved, can be a regional touchpoint for people, and provides advice and assistance to citizens of the region.

Also, one must not under-estimate the effect competitions can have on increasing activity, and working with the budget laid out by the Senate, I would like to encourage more of these competitions."


5) Finally, what credentials to you feel you bring when it comes to serving as an elected representative for Northern Ireland?

David900: "What I bring is a strong work ethic, activity and the backing of the Unity Party."

Jacen Molare: "I feel you could not find anyone more qualified than me when it comes to specifically representing this region. My commitment to this region since arriving in the New World cannot be questioned. Even when offered the opportunity by my Party to move elsewhere to stand for Congress, I politely declined stating that whether elected or not, Norn Iron is where I stay!

On top of this, I have already served two terms as a Congressman for Northern Ireland, and have served as Speaker of the Senate for one term. These alone show that I have the experience necessary to represent the people of this wonderful region. However, when you also add to this my involvement in the creation of the Senate, and NISBO, I think it is clear to see that I can bring a lot of ideas and experience to this job.

However, I will stand behind whoever this region appoints to serve in Parliament, and will always put my region first.

As a final note, I just wish to say that if elected, my 5 gold will be going towards NISBO, and I would encourage all other Congressmen to consider doing the same! Also, I would encourage everyone to vote for the person they feel is best equipped to represent Norn Iron.

Thank you for your time."


Thanks to David and Jacen for taking the time to answer these questions!