Even officers are sometimes at a loss to sum up what MAG is.  Put simply, MAG exists to represent riders.  By riders we mean motorcyclists, moped riders and scooterists.  By representing we mean putting the interests and concerns of motorcyclists forward with bodies that make a difference.

This includes governments (local, national and European) companies (insurance, motorcycle retail, road construction) and other groups (safety, training, standardisation, promotion, law enforcement).  On many issues it is obvious where the interests of riders are. All riders are clearly in favour of better road standards, a fairer insurance system with lower premiums, access to buslanes and lower bike theft.

These are the issues that MAG concentrates on and there is still much work to be done, as any regular Irish rider can see.

What has MAG done ?

• Brought insurance competition into Ireland resulting in lower premiums for many.
• Launched the Irish Rider Training Association.
• Defeated the 100bhp power limit proposals in Europe.
• Worked with county council on roads issues at a local level.
• Worked with corporations Secure parking for motorcycles in major city centres.

How is MAG organised ?

MAG's form follows its function. Essentially the organisation is a non-profit business whose customers are riders who pay for lobbying services. In addition to the lobbying service there are a host of benefits such as discount deals, free entry to events and a regular news service which make membership worth the money.  This business needs to be managed and for that there is a board of officers (all voluntary) who manage administration on a day to day basis. The actual administration work (letters, faxes, membership processing, orders, telephone answering) is done in the MAG office.

The board pays a person or persons to carry out the lobbying work and to report back. Much lobbying is also done voluntarily but a paid central lobbying point co-ordinates the effort and is essential to give allow Irish riders to be represented at the required level.  MAG is there to get the job done and while a lot of things are done voluntarily by members it is recognised that some things (such as meetings during the working day) are done quicker and more effectively by paid staff.

Some of the issues that MAG works on are not so clear-cut and this is why a democratic framework is needed. Members each have their say at the annual conference, in the election of officers to the Board and through their elected regional rep at the National Council meetings. The National Council oversees the entire operation of MAG and ensures accountability.

David French
President.