The Equality and Rights Alliance launched their general election campaign yesterday asking voters and political parties to put equality and human rights at the centre of their voting intentions and campaigns.

The Alliance is comprised of 155 organisations and activsts representing over 250,000 people living in Ireland. One of the key calls of the campaign will be the introduction of a socio-economic ground in equality legislaiton to ensure that targetting poverty is prioritised.

Yesterday the Alliance confirmed that Rev. Jessie Jackson will visit Ireland in February to further promote the campaign and also launch a document which contains a Roadmap for a strengthened Equality and Human Rights Infrastructure in Ireland.

More actions to promote equality and human rights issues in the course of the election have been promised including a drive to make members aware of the issues when casting their vote.