Vol. 12 No.3 April 2013 ISSN 0791-458X President Higgins on Launchdscsdcsdcsdcsd of Young Workers Gaza:cdscdscdscds a terrible workers rights Network beauty Page xxxxxxxx Page xxxxxxxxx Page 8 Page 9 Page 26

CLARE Row looms How the DALY Countess INTERVIEW on public saved Page 10-11 service pay our By Frank Connolly lives... The Government will face a co-ordinated industrial response across the entire page 21 trade union movement if it legislates for pay cuts in the public service, SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor has KNOW YOUR warned. RIGHTS: In order to avoid ‘an unnecessary and mutu- ally destructive confrontation’ the Government HOLIDAY should instead negotiate fresh arrangements on pay and reform with public service unions that ENTITLEMENT would retain the protections of the Croke Park Agreement against compulsory redundancy, in- Page 23 discriminate redeployment and outsourcing of their work, he argued. He said that the rejection of the Labour Re- lations Commission proposals on public service reform in mid-April “reflected a deeper resent- ment among workers generally and public ser- vants, in particular, towards the way in which they have been forced to carry the lion’s share of the burden of adjustment while the wealthy have contributed very little.” “It also reflected fatigue with the troika im- LIBERTY posed one sided austerity strategy of the last five years, which transparently doesn’t work,” CROSSWORD- Jack O’Connor said. He said that the recent deal on the Anglo- WIN a hotel break Irish bank promissory notes allows the Govern- ment some room for manoeuvre this year for two... which could be used to ease the scale of cuts in 1 Page 31 2 the October budget. An investment stimulus 3 7 4 package and higher taxes on the rich would 5 6 lessen the requirement for the proposed €1 bil- 8

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17 8.3018 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., Monday - Friday 19 20 20 21 O R G A N I S I N G F O R F A I R N E S S A T W O R K A N D J U S T I C E I N S O C I E T Y • W W W . S I P T U . I E • J O I N O N L I N E 22 Liberty 2 In this month’sLiberty APRIL 2013

16 Liberty NOVEMBER 2012

Water is a public resource Page 5

Medtronic workplace committee interview Page 7 May Day in Dublin: 1913-2013 Unfinished Business The Dublin Council of Trade Beresford Place. Speakers will in- legislation to ensure recognition of Unions will be holding its clude young trade unionists, as well trade unions in all employments and annual May Day demonstra- as representatives from the National negotiating rights for all members. Austerity over by Women’s Council Ireland and the The demonstration will be followed tion on Wednesday, 1st May. Coalition to Protect the Lowest-Paid. by a social event in Liberty Hall. October The event will start in Parnell The theme of this year’s event is There will be music and stalls deal- Page 12 Square at 7.00 p.m., marching to Lib- '1913/2013: Unfinished Business'. ing with various aspects of the erty Hall for a public meeting at The ‘unfinished business’ includes 1913 Lockout. Mine worker buried Liberty View Liberty Mario Francis, the mine worker killed Page 15 in an underground rockfall in the Lisheen Mine, Co. Tipperary, was View buried in his native Philippines on Wednesday, 16th April. A large crowd attended the funeral of Gilroy the Irish Grillo? the SIPTU member in the Catholic Page 17 Church in Balamban on the island of Cebu. Mario (49) died on the 4th April and before his body was repatriated a large number of his work colleagues at- tended a Commemoration Mass in the Church of the Assumption, Urlingford. SIPTU members at the Lisheen Mine Trade unionists outside Leinster House on Monday, 22nd April. They handed in a statement for Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Remembering 1913 have expressed their sympathy to calling for legislation on the ‘X case’. Pictured (L to R) at Mario’s wife My-Ann, their sons Jomar Page 21 front: SIPTU Campaigns and Equality Organiser, Ethel Buck- (9) and Jolrem (5), and his children from ley from SIPTU, Chair of the ICTU Women’s Committee, a previous marriage in the Philippines, Máire Mulcahy, UNITE Regional Equalities Organiser, Taryn Julemar (22) and Mario Jnr (15). Trainor. Photo: Photocall Ireland

Continued from page 1 - Row looms on public service pay Justice for Colombia director Mariela Kohon lion cut in the public service pay hesion and introduce a degree of sary for economic recovery. and pensions bill over the next equity into the adjustment pro- “Such an approach would cre- interview three years. gramme. ate the context for negotiation of Page 27 “There is some room for ma- “The Government should take a settlement in two phases entail- noeuvre as a result of the promis- steps to redress the inequity in ing interim terms to apply to the sory note deal which will afford the adjustment process to date. A end of this year and better terms breathing space of €1bn in 2014 good start could be made by de- for 2014 and 2015. and €1.025bn in 2015. Proper use claring its intention to cap pub- “An unnecessary and mutually of this accompanied by the launch licly funded pensions to a destructive confrontation would of a significant off balance sheet maximum of €100,000 per be avoided. A degree of equality Liberty is dedicated to providing a platform for progressive news and views. stimulus programme as well as a annum, even to the extent of pro- would be introduced into the ad- belated tax contribution from the moting a constitutional referen- justment process and public serv- If you have any ideas for articles or comments please contact: rich would lessen the requirement dum to do it if necessary. ice workers would retain the [email protected] for a €1bn cut in public service “The party should protections of the Croke Park Liberty is published by the Services, Industrial, Professional & Technical Union, pay and pensions. give some ground on the taxation Agreement against compulsory re- Liberty Hall, Dublin 1 He said that capping publicly of wealth and of those on high in- dundancy, indiscriminate rede- SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor • Vice President, Patricia King • funded pensions to a maximum of comes. Their insistence on pro- ployment and outsourcing of their General Secretary, Joe O’Flynn €100,000 per annum and impos- tecting this tiny minority at the work,” he said. Production: SIPTU Communications Department, Liberty Hall, Dublin 1, ing a greater tax on high incomes top is detrimental to maintaining Tel: 01 8588217 • Email: [email protected] would help to maintain social co- the social cohesion that is neces- SIPTU Head of Communications, Frank Connolly • Journalist: Scott Millar • Design: Sonia Slevin (SIPTU) & Joe Mitchell (Brazier Media) • Publications Assistant, Deirdre Price • Administrative Assistant, Karen Hackett Advertise in Liberty Produced, designed, edited and printed by trade union labour To advertise in Liberty, contact the Communications Department on 01 858 6372 or email communicationsdepart- Printed and distributed by The Irish Times, City West, Dublin. [email protected] • Liberty offers very competitive rates for advertisements which reach SIPTU members countrywide Liberty 3 News APRIL 2013

Killarney Golf Club workers to strike in May

Youth Workers Protest SIPTU members and supporters staged a rally against further cuts to youth work budgets outside Dáil Eireann on Friday, 19th April. SIPTU Organiser, Paul Hansard, said: “Over the past two weeks, youth projects working in the most disadvantaged areas in Dublin have re- ceived their budget allocation for 2013, with most facing a 10% cut. These projects are funded by the Department of Children via the City of Dublin Youth Services Board.” Golf club workers, Photo L to R: Susan Bowler, Dan Morris, SIPTU Organisers Paula O’Loughlin and Dennis Hynes Front Row: Patrick Fleming, Sean Moynihan

Workers at Killarney Golf side consultant, who in the past in which they have been treated by Club will begin strike action was contraversially involved in a the management of a club which major dispute in Irish Ferries. they have served well for many on Tuesday, 7th May, follow- “Workers are particularly years. The attempt to sack the ing a management refusal to angered that this consultant’s majority of the workforce without engage constructively with approach is being adopted by a negotiation has devastated the Dublin Port advanced shop stewards the Labour Court in relation business of which State agency, workers and the local area. This is On Thursday, 11th April, shop stewards in Dublin Port received their Fáilte Ireland, owns 77%. In view clearly an attempt to remove work- HETAC certificates. Photo left to right. Front row: Ken Murphy, John to proposed redundancies. of this state involvement in the ers so they can be replaced by staff Birmingham, Brian Dalton. Back row: James Kennedy, Margaret de SIPTU members voted over- business the workers are request- on greatly reduced wages and Courcey (SIPTU tutor), Ethel Buckley (SIPTU Equality and Campaigns whelmingly on Thursday, 18th ing that Minister for Jobs, Enter- conditions of employment.” Organiser), Pat Paisley and Maurice O Beirne. April, in favour of strike action at prise and Innovation, Richard Last year, the union referred the the golf club. Bruton, directly intervenes and dispute at the Killarney Golf Club The management served notice ensures that the company to the Labour Relations Commis- of redundancy on 21 of the sion (LRC). This year the 41 staff on 10th April, even matter was referred to though a Labour Court the Labour Court. As part hearing had been set for of the LRC process the Monday, 29th April, to dis- union engaged an inde- cuss ways of minimising pendent assessor to eval- job losses at the prestigious uate the club’s financial golf venue. position. SIPTU Organiser, Denis Denis Hynes said: “The Hynes said: “Unfortunately Back Row L to R ; Willie Quigley, Eugene Finnegan, Leo Sheridan Matts Petterson, Jon Mostrom, assessor’s report indi- the workers feel they have Mike Lowther, Jack Gordan, Christy Blake. Middle Row L to R; Brendan Ecclestone, Paudric cated that management Boyle, Ian Mc Donnell, John Regan, Pat Conlon, Frankie Farrelly. Front Row L to R; Mick Flynn, been left with no option Workers to take strike action Photos: Sean Kelly had greatly exaggerated but to vote for industrial ac- the financial difficulties tion. The management of Agreement at Tara Mines complies with a Labour Court of the club. The report concluded Killarney Golf Club has acted in a SIPTU members at Tara Mines, Co. Meath, have voted to accept pro- recommendation to attend further that a degree of restructuring and callous manner in trying to impose posals aimed at bringing to a conclusion the long running dispute at hearings in order to reach an some job losses were necessary to job losses without negotiation. the company. Among the key clauses contained in the proposed agree- agreed resolution to this dispute.” ensure the profitability of the busi- “The workers believe the aggres- ment is a commitment by the owners of Tara Mines, multinational Senior SIPTU Shop Steward, Dan ness rather than the 35% pay cut sive behaviour of management in Boliden, to provide future capital investment of €110 million which Morris, who has worked at the club and enforced redundancy of the seeking to impose unnecessary re- is needed to maintain the mine’s operation to 2018 and beyond. for 29 years, said: “The workers are majority of staff which is being dundancies and massive wage cuts very disappointed by the manner sought by management.” is due to the influence of an out-

Nearly €400,000 paid in consultancy fees

The Killarney Golf Club has terms agreed with her last summer. monies owed together with in- engaged four different sets of Margaret Doyle worked in the terest. bar of the club since 1989 and Denis Hynes said: “While auditors and consultants in re- was offered voluntary redun- there have been no problems for cent months costing €396,000 dancy last year. Following talks, the company in paying out large SIPTU school visits in fees, company accounts she accepted over €62,000 in a sums in consultancy fees there MISC representatives regularly visit schools around the country to ex- show. The consultants were lump sum payment. However, has been a marked unwilling- plain how trade unions work to students. Pictured is MISC Sector Or- hired to assist the Golf Club the money was never paid. ness shown by it to honour ganiser, Chris Rowland, with Leaving cert. Applied Programme pupils Doyle entered into legal pro- working conditions and redun- of the Presentation Secondary School, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. Row- in it’s “restructuring.” ceedings and the Master of the dancy terms agreed with its land said: “Young people are very interested in fairness and equality In late April the club was ordered High Court on Thursday, 18th workers, many of whom have in workplaces. Unions need to develop connections and listen to the to pay a bar worker redundancy April, ordered the club to pay the over 20 years service.” concerns of the next generation of employees.” For more information on school visits contact [email protected] 4 Liberty APRIL 2013 News SIPTU agreement with University of on research

THE Pharmaceutical Chemi- cal and Medical Devices Sec- tor has concluded a collaboration agreement with the Jim Kemmy School of Business, University of Students from St. Louis High School Limerick. Photos: Tony Murphy, NCAD The agreement will see co-opera- tion on areas of common interest between SIPTU and the Jim Kemmy School including human resources research and the promotion of fur- ther education in the field of collec- 1913 Tapestry pupils tive bargaining and workplace negotiation theory. Sector Organiser, Alan O’Leary, From left: Jack O’Connor, Professor Paddy told Liberty: “This collaboration Gunnigle (UL), Jemma Mackey and Alan O’Leary (SIPTU), Tom Turner (UL) receive certificates agreement arose out of a visit to the college by the Sector Committee in MORE than 50 pupils from iser, Ethel Buckley said: “The tap- 2010 and talks with the staff of the estry will probably be the most provide part-time and full-time de- tures in the Kemmy School to out- three Dublin schools re- Department of Personnel and Em- enduring cultural artefact pro- gree and masters students with a line our sector’s strategy on 2% per ceived certificates for their ployee Relations regarding common duced out of this year’s commem- positive and an alternative view of annum stability and pay agreements work on the 1913 Lockout areas of interest. Commemoration Tapestry orations of the Lockout. “Our agreement provides a very trade unions. and students have responded very “We have held a number of lec- positively.” at a ceremony in the Na- “It tells the story of heroism of solid foundation for the sector to tional College of Art and ordinary working people, men Design (NCAD) on Tuesday, and women, who refused to be 9th April. bullied by employers into surren- The pupils from Larkin Com- dering their rights to belong to munity College (Dublin 1), St the union of their choice and to Louis High School (Rathmines) look for better pay and condi- Talks begin Dubliners encouraged and Mater Dei Primary School tions.” (Dublin 8) have helped embroider Pupils attending the event said some of the 30 multi-media tex- that the project helped them con- over threat to read Strumpet City tile panels which combine to tell nect with the events of their great the story of the 1913 Lockout. grand-parents’ time, which James Plunkett’s epic novel He reflected that Plunkett’s Presenting their certificates of helped to shape modern Ireland. achievement to the pupils SIPTU The tapestry is scheduled for to Waterford set during the 1913 Lockout, seminal book provided a graphic Campaigns and Equality Organ- completion later this year. Strumpet City, has been cho- depiction of a major event in a sen as this year’s ‘Dublin: flawed society, which was ulti- brewery jobs mately a conflict between two One City One Book’ by sets of values – “the values of . the slum, interdependence and SIPTU representatives have The book recounts the effects collective solidarity versus the begun talks with manage- of the Lockout on a cast of char- values of the quick buck.” ment at Diageo Ltd in a bid acters from all walks of Dublin The special edition of the to minimise job loses after life. A series of events are being book published by Gill & held during April to mark the se- the company’s announce- Macmillan can be borrowed lection of Strumpet City by the from all branches of Dublin City ment on 11th April that it City Council as the book all Libraries or bought in bookshops. intends to cease operations Dubliners should read. See page 21 for 1913 events. at its brewery in Waterford. The events included a lunchtime songs and story ses- SIPTU Organiser, Terry Bryan, told Mater Dei Primary Liberty: “SIPTU members under- sion in the The Church Café & School students stand that the company intends to Bar in Dublin on Friday, 12th consolidate its operations at its St. April. Over 150 people attended James Gate Brewery in Dublin. this event to hear labour histo- “This is a short-sighted strategy, rian Francis Devine give a brief particularly when it is taken into ac- outline of the history of the count that a refurbishment of the Lockout and the rendition of Waterford plant, costing €40 mil- contemporary songs by Fergus lion, was only completed in 2004.” Whelan and friends. He added: “The union’s negotia- Commenting on Strumpet tions with the company will be fo- City at its unveiling as the cused on minimising job losses and Dublin: One City One Book, securing fair and reasonable redun- SIPTU President, Jack O’Connor, dancy packages for any of our mem- said he was struck by the bers who are made redundant.” SIPTU represents 16 direct em- parallels between the Dublin of Larkin Community College students ployees at the Waterford Brewery 2013 and that of 100 years ago. and a further six support staff. Liberty 5 News APRIL 2013

James Connolly Bridge Campaign

Trade union organsier, benefit of its people. writer and political activist “His activities during these James Connolly was for- years speak of the aspirations mally nominated on Friday, and desires of working people. 19th April, to be commemo- His writings on many topics in- rated in the title of a new cluding Irish history, workers transport bridge over the rights and economics mark him Liffey. as one of the nation’s leading The SIPTU supported James thinkers. His vocal support of the Connolly Bridge campaign pre- women’s movement have seen sented Dublin City Council offi- him accredited as one of Ireland’s cials with application papers first feminist writers.” outlining why the inspirational The other leading cultural fig- trade union leader is the figure ures backing the campaign in- best suited to be commemorated clude singers Imelda May, Christy in the new bridge’s name. Moore, Andy Irvine, Mary Black Actor Brian Murray, whose fa- and ; actors Bryan SIPTU members in the local Murray, Gabriel Byrne and Jer authority water services who mous roles include Fitz in the rallied outside Leinster House RTE production of Strumpet City, O’Leary; author Irvine Welsh; co- on 21st March. Photo: Mark Moloney said: “During the early years of medians Brendan Grace and the last century James Connolly Brendan O’Carroll; poets Theo gave voice to the aspirations and Dorgan and Paula Meehan, as hopes of ordinary men and well as artist Robert Ballagh and women in Dublin. He envisioned Dublin GAA star Alan Brogan. a city free of tenement slums, a To sign the petition supporting city welcoming to immigrants the James Connolly Bridge cam- 1.35m sign water petition and one run efficiently for the paign visit: www.siptu.ie ORE than 1,354,990 called ‘market liberalisation’. SIPTU Local Authority Chairper- people have signed ‘The Water and Sanitation are a son, Matt Henry, told Liberty: “With a EU-wide petition Human Right!’ petition received the the decision of the Irish Government calling for water vocal backing of more than 100 to establish Irish Water and transfer M SIPTU members in the local author- services to remain in public water assets out of local democratic ownership. ity water services who rallied out- ownership we have every reason to The petition calls on the European side Leinster House on 21st March. be concerned. Commission to “propose legislation The rally was part of a EU-wide “The concern in relation to who campaign by the European Federa- implementing the human right to owns and controls water is the same tion of Public Service Unions, which water and sanitation as recognised across Europe and internationally. represents eight million public serv- Major international companies are by the United Nations, and promot- ice workers, focused on highlighting ing the provision of water and sani- lining up to pressurise politicians to its concern at the liberalisation of EU open up publicly-owned water for tation as essential public services for laws governing the ownership of private ownership.” Noam Chomsky (centre) with all.” water resources. Vita Cortex workers Photo: Joe Kelleher It also calls for the supply and Following the protest, workers To sign the petition and learn management of water resources not and SIPTU representatives held a more about the threat to public to be subject to EU ‘internal market meeting in the Dáil with TDs and ownership of water resources, Chomsky meets Vita Cortex workers rules’ and their exclusion from so- senators from all political parties. visit www.right2water.eu Renowned human rights ac- dundancy payments, the lengthy tivist and writer, Noam Chom- occupation of the foam manufac- sky discussed their 161 day turing plant on the Kinsale Road Suspended council staff in return to work sit-in with the former Vita in Cork and the massive solidar- Cortex workers in Cork on ity they received from other FOLLOWING discussions with to work. County Council to the satisfac- Thursday (4th April). workers, trade unions and com- management on Tuesday, 2nd April, SIPTU Organiser, Con Casey, tion of all the parties involved.” During the ninety minute munities in Cork and across the three Cork County Council workers said: “Following discussions with The incident had caused a meeting at the Riverside Hotel country. A film of the dispute, suspended in March for carrying management the matter was degree of media controversy with the workers including SIPTU ‘161 Days’ will be shown at the shop stewards, Sean Kelleher and Jim Connell festival in Kells, out urgent road maintenance in definitively concluded in accor- a number of local public Jim Power, and other union county Meath, on Saturday, 4th breach of council safety procedures dance with the grievance and figures calling for the men to be members discussed the back- May. were given the go-ahead to return disciplinary procedures of Cork reinstated. ground to the dispute over re- 6 Liberty APRIL 2013 News Sinn Féin supports right CS shake-up ‘must consider to collective bargaining communities and workers’ Sinn Féin has backed the trade union movement’s call for the By Government to enact legislation THE West Cork Development weight. We welcome his support enshrining the right of workers Partnership met with local for SIPTU’s position on the Min- to collective bargaining and Labour TD Michael McCarthy ister’s plans.” trade union recognition. on Friday, 5th April, to He added: “If Minister Hogan is Delegates at the party’s annual express its concerns over intent on making such big deci- Ard Fheis in Castlebar, Co. Mayo, on plans by Minister for Envi- ronment, Community and sions about our jobs and our local Saturday,13th April, voted over- services the least we would ex- whelming to support a motion call- Local Government Phil Hogan pect is a process of consultation ing on the Government to “ensure to radically alter existing with our union about these plans that the centenary of the 1913 Lock- funding and management and their implications for both out is marked by enshrining the structures for community employees and the communities right to collective bargaining and services. they work with. trade union recognition in law. The West Cork Development Part- nership currently delivers a wide “The bottom-up approach of Speaking in support of the motion range of essential community, independent Local Development Kilkenny county councillor and tourism, agri-support, eldercare and SIPTU organiser, Kathleen Funchion, Companies has been internation- employment projects across the Changes: ally recognised as a best practice said: “Employers have IBEC, ISME west Cork region. Phil Hogan model. and a whole host of organisations to The Government’s local govern- “The independent nature of represent them. Let us give workers ment reform document Putting Peo- SIPTU organiser added to the Implementation these companies is also a stipula- the same basic fundamental right. Kathleen Funchion ple First sets out an “alignment” Good and fair employers and busi- between local authorities and LDCs Group charged with overseeing tion for continued receipt of mil- ness owners should support this as that will have major impact for both this ‘alignment’. lions of euro in European rural Speaking in support of the motion, “Michael is chair of the Joint it shows respect for those who are Kilkenny county councillor and SIPTU workers and local community serv- development funding. the cornerstone of the enterprise." organiser Kathleen Funchion. ices. This alignment is due to be Committee for Envi- “Any change must consider the completed in the coming months. ronment Culture and Gaeltacht, interests of communities and More than 50 Local Development and so his voice should carry some workers.” Companies based throughout every county in the State currently deliver a range of quality community-based services with regard to enterprise, education and training in areas of disadvantage. Under the Minister’s plans, close to half of these compa- nies will close. SIPTU claims proposals to “align” these services within local govern- UNIQUE ment structures also put millions of euro of European funding at risk. OPPORTUNITY Speaking after the meeting SIPTU Organiser, Trevor Quinn, told Lib- West Cork Development Partnership’s Pat Welsh, Joe Cronin and, far right, Fergal Conlon voiced their FOR A TRADE UNION ACTIVIST erty: “Michael McCarthy expressed concerns about funding changes to Labour TD support for our view that there Michael McCarthy, second from right should be a worker representative Union Heritage Life Assurance Company is a 100% Irish Company. We are company that provides supplemental insurance programmes to the members of organisations that support a working family agenda such as trade unions and credit unions. Our parent company, (American Income Life), has a long history of GalwayGallway TrTrades Unions partnering with trade unions in Canada, the United States and New Zealand. Union teritage will be using this successful model in the 191191313 - 2013 . ThursdayThursday 2nd MaMayy at 7.007.00 pp.m..m. SIPSIPTUTU OfficesOffices Union Heritage has a unique opportunity for a trade union activist who can act as a liaison between our company and trade unions, SIPTU’s Galway District CommitteeC is marking the occasion Credit Unions and other community based organisations that support of the CentenarCCentenaryy of the 1913 Lockout and celebrating May working families. This position enables the right person to work for a Day on Thursday 2nd May 2013 at 7.00 p.m. in the Sean company that shares the trade union philosophy. Meade Room at the SIPTU offices on FForsterorster Court.

MembeMembersers of all trade unions are welcome and there is no T Thishis is a full-time position offoffering fferingering a base salarysalary and bonus charcharge,gege,, but for catering purposes, please let us know if potential. If ytialenpot you arear. interestedinou estesterte ed in learning mormoree about this you are e attending. TTellell us your name and your union by excitingxe citing position, please send an updaupdated Ct CV and ced cover lettvoV letterer ter to:to: FFridayriday 226th April by any of the following means:- [email protected]@ailiffee.com E-mail [email protected] www.unionheritagelife.com 55FYU  t5FM  FYU   t 5FM    Liberty 7 Workplace Committee APRIL 2013

Medtronic workplace committee members: from left Pat Daly, Marion Walsh, Mary Talbot, Colette McCafferty, Fiona Duane, Una Kilroy, Liz Dolan and Albert O’Loughlin

By Scott Millar would be in their 20s or early 30s while some have only recently ITH 1,400 SIPTU moved to Ireland. Many do not members, the grasp the importance of organisa- Medtronic med- tion in protecting and improving W ical device manu- ‘Some people come to their pay and conditions. facturing plant in Ballybrit, “I joined a union in a previous county Galway, has one of job unbeknown to my employer, I the largest organised work- know the value of union organisa- forces in the country. me asking what does tion. I have always felt you are bet- The plant, which manufactures ter in a union than not. stents, catheters and other medical “What we need to do as a com- items, has a history which stretches mittee and a union is provide more back to the 1970s. the union do. They don’t information about what the union It had two previous owners, be- does, what it has achieved for work- fore US multinational Medtronic ers.” took the business over in 1999. understand they ARE the Liz added:“We really need to SIPTU Senior Shop Steward, Pat modernise and appeal to younger Daly, has worked at the plant for 37 people. We need to make the union years. He told Liberty: “The union more attractive. has been organised in the plant union...’ “There is often a lot of informa- since day one. Initially, it was the tion about where the union started Federated Workers Union of Ireland but many people aren’t as con- then its successor SIPTU. twice a month to discuss issues of the union in successive agreements. for three. cerned with the history as what the “I joined the committee after concern to members. Workplace However, encouraging greater in- “I joined the committee to speak union is doing now and will do in about nine or 10 years working in committee members meet local volvement of the entire membership up for the workers,” Colette told Lib- the future.” the plant. I have been on and off the management once a month, and sen- One young worker who has got committee ever since. The main rea- in union activity is a concern of com- erty, “I meet people on a daily basis ior management every two months, the message is Fiona Duane, who son I got involved was to get better mittee member, Liz Dolan. and anybody that has a query raises only joined the committee in re- pay and conditions for me and my after which the outcome of these She said: “Some people come to it with me and I bring that to the cent weeks and is also active in the colleagues.” discussions is relayed to the mem- me asking what does the union do. committee. bership. workplace canteen committee. The workplace committee has 11 They don’t understand they are the “Unfortunately, some people don’t elected members with representa- Agreements on workers’ pay and union. Because we have already understand what the union is about. She said: “I was nominated by tives drawn from four of the five conditions are concluded on a three- secured good conditions it can be A lot of people think the union is some of the work colleagues to take buildings, which make up the yearly basis with negotiations hard to explain to them that these just something you go to when you the position. I have an interest in Medtronic complex. involving the workplace committee, conditions are only there because of get into a bit of bother.” representing people and ensuring Day, evening and nightshift work- SIPTU representatives and manage- the union. Mary Talbot, who became in- things work as well as they can. I’m forces are all represented. All com- ment. “They seem to just assume the volved in the workplace committee just learning the ropes at the mo- mittee members are from the The system has generally worked company has given these things to four years ago as she “wanted to ment but it’s interesting.” associate assembler grade of well with Pat recalling only one inci- the workforce.” have an input” in the lead up to a The SIPTU Medtronic Workplace Medtronic employees with 800 dent going to the Labour Relations A lack of understanding of the new pay agreement, is also con- Committee and SIPTU Communica- other workers in the plant, including Commission during his time work- union’s achievements is also of con- cerned with ensuring the SIPTU tions Department will be producing technicians and administrative staff, ing at the plant and there is general cern to Colette McCafferty. She has message reaches the increasingly di- a newsletter for members in the not organised into a union. satisfaction in the workforce over worked in the plant for 11 years and verse and young workforce. company for distribution next The workplace committee meets the pay and conditions secured by served on the workplace committee She said: “The majority of workers month. 8 Liberty APRIL 2013 News President: workers’ rights must be at the centre of a rebuilt economy RESIDENT Michael D In making that transition, Presi- Higgins has called on dent Higgins said: “We must refocus Irish trade unionists to and reaffirm the values of active cit- Pplay their part in “the izenship and a caring community” transition from an economic and reject the view that the individ- model that has failed human- ual is “no more than a consumer of ity to one that has yet to be goods and services”. fully realised.” He continued: “We must ensure Speaking at the official opening of that the personal, social and cultural the recently-reburbished Communi- rights of each citizen, indeed every cations Workers Union offices on worker, are placed firmly at the cen- the North Circular Road in Dublin, tre of a re-built economy as we de- President Higgins also said that the liver our view of a newly-imagined personal, social and cultural rights of Ireland – an Ireland where all citi- every worker must be at the centre zens can participate equally. of a re-built economy. “Tá gluaiseacht na gceardchu- Referring to the commemoration mann tar éis a bheith lárnach i bh- of the 1913 Lockout, he said that we owe “an enormous debt of gratitude, forbairt phobal le níos mó ná céad not only to James Larkin, but to all bliain anuas agus creidim go nglac- the workers who stood bravely be- faidh an ghluaiseacht sin, nó gur side him during that long and diffi- cheart go nglacfadh, gluaiseacht ina cult fight.” bhfuil sibh go léir chomh gníomhach He said: “As the heirs and benefi- sin, ról lárnach in atógáil ár sochaí a ciaries of that difficult and bitter bhfuil an oiread sin dochair déanta struggle one hundred years ago, we dó.” must, as we currently face our own [The trade union movement has difficult times demonstrate that been central to the development of same determination and resource- community for over a century and I fulness to bring about positive believe that the trade union move- changes and to help create a society ment, of which you all form such an that we can be proud of – an inclu- active part, will or should I say must, sive society based on the important play a pivotal role in rebuilding our values of participation, respect for all damaged society].” and fairness. The new offices are named after “It is a challenge in which all unions, including the Communica- , a was former gen- tions Workers’ Union, will be called eral secretary of the Post Office Workers Union (previously the Dual upon to play their part as Ireland President Michael D Higgins makes the transition from an eco- Workers union formed in 1900 and and CWU General Secretary Steve nomic model that has failed human- now the CWU) and leader of the Fitzpatrick at the official opening of the refurbished CWU offices on ity to one that has yet to be fully from 1932 to 1960. North Circular Road. realised.” Photo: Gerry Maxwell.

MAIN SPEAKERS: SUNDAY: Annual commemoration at monument Bob Crow, General Secretary, RMT in Crosakiel, followed by entertainment Steve Fitzpatrick, General Secretary, CWU Paul Anderson MP for Blaydon in McCabes lounge. Jack O’Connor, General President, SIPTU 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th May 2013 in Kells Dr. John Callow, London University and Crosakiel, Co. Meath SATURDAY David Hopper, General Secretary, Durham miners LUNCH: “161 Days” Film of the Vita Cortex FRIDAY: Official opening by Councillor dispute must be seen by everyone. And more still not confirmed Sarah Reilly, Cathorlaigh Kells Prior to the weekend, the Kells Art Club in association MAIN SPONSORS: Town Council and Paul Anderson M.P. with Jim Connell Society are showing Strumpet City, Sponsored by The Gathering, Meath Tourism & Local Authorities story of the Dublin City Lockout, main organiser, Eileen and the British and Irish trade union movement. SATURDAY: Annual Summer School in Kells Morgan, each Thursday night, commencing 21st March. Recource Centre, Pig roasting event Contact: Tommy Grimes 087-9806688 and Irish night in Jacks Porterhouse Brian Collins 087-6829205 venue Liberty 9 News APRIL 2013

New law to criminalise modern-day slavery in Ireland Launch of the The Migrant Rights Centre Ire- land (MRCI) has welcomed the publication of the Criminal Law Building a future (Human Trafficking) (Amend- Young Workers’ ment) Bill 2013. The Bill will crim- that works inalise forced labour (modern-day slavery) in Ireland and protect vic- tims who have been forced to Who: Young workers (under 35), commit begging and other crimi- SIPTU will launch its new working full-time, part- nal activities. Network initiative the Young time, casual or unemployed Gráinne O’Toole of MRCI stated, Workers’ Network on May who are interested in taking “Over the past 6 years, MRCI has Day, Wednesday, 1 May at action for better jobs & seen over 180 cases of forced 5.00 p.m. in the Connolly My future strong unions labour in Ireland. Forced labour is Room, Liberty Hall Auditorium. What: Launch of the Young on the increase and without such My voice Workers’ Network a law victims of forced labour are The event will feature the premiere Where: Connolly Hall, Liberty Hall not protected. Our experience is of a new short film on the realities My union Theatre that victims will not come forward of being a young precarious worker When: Wednesday, 1st May at if there are not clear protections, in Ireland. The workers who ap- 5.00 p.m. (Network members rights and supports in place. pear in the film –who responded to a call-out on twitter- will be there will join the youth bloc on We have seen cases where vic- to talk about their situation. The the May Day march, Garden tims have been forced to commit will be a participative discussion of Remembrance @ 7.00 p.m.) criminal activity – such as working on precarious work and how we Why: Because young workers in cannabis farms – and are then can organise to combat insecure, need jobs, living wages and charged with the offence while the exploitative forms of work. unions that will fight their real perpetrator, their employer, corner walks free. When this Bill is en- The event will also launch the acted, forced labour will at long findings of a new survey of young last be illegal in Ireland and the au- workers’ opinions on work, life and the future, as well as the Find us on facebook thorities will be able to target the issues on which young workers real criminals.” (http://fb.me/youngworker- think the Network should take snetwork), twitter (@siptuy- Fauziah Shaari, who was a action. victim of forced labour in a private outh) and on our new home in Ireland, said “I was Join us on May Day to find out website www.youngworker- treated as a slave. I still have not more about the Young Workers Net- snetwork.ie (launching on found justice. The change in the work and to take the opportunity May Day). law will help other victims to come to meet like-minded young people forward and will make sure em- who want to have a say in their working lives and in their unions. ployers involved in forced labour will be punished.” SIPTU Services Division Organ- iser, John King, called for the swift enactment of the Bill. He said: “An early enactment of this Bill is now essential to ensure Youth unemployment that victims of forced labour are Tadhg Barry protected by robust legislation. crisis must top agenda Documentary This will allow them to have cer- tainty that this form of modern NEW figures from Eurostat 2011 compared to the Euro area av- Premier day slavery is regarded as a crimi- which show that unemploy- erage of 21.4%. Loraine Mulligan told Liberty: nal act by the State, and that the ment in the 15 to 24 age Saturday 4th May group in Ireland stands at “The effect of emigration almost perpetrators will be prosecuted. just under 31%, must push certainly conceals the full extent of 2.00 p.m. in the Triskel “The enactment of this legisla- this crisis to the top of the the problem. The picture across Eu- Arts Centre, Cork City tion would put in place another political agenda, according rope is also worrying, particularly in measure along the way to ensuring to SIPTU policy analyst Lo- Spain and Greece, with youth un- Free to all Trade Union that all those who work in Ireland raine Mulligan. employment rates of almost 50%. “Action is urgently required to members and those with an will have their minimum rights Statistics released in April re- vealed the Irish rate reached 30.8% provide vulnerable young people interest in the early days of protected by the State and can in February 2013. The previous high with opportunities to enhance their our struggle and the struggle enjoy a threshold of decency while for youth unemployment in Ireland prospects for work and progres- for Irish Independence. they work.” was 30.5% in the fourth quarter of sion.” See page 22. 10 Liberty APRIL 2013 Interview

By Scott Millar EW TDs have had as INTERVIEW: CLARE DALY an eventful two years as Clare Daly. The Fnorth Dublin TD has won admirers, her firebrand style of campaigning poli- tics bringing her to the fore in debates concerning re- productive rights, austerity and allegations of Garda I want to give corruption. However, she has also fallen out with former comrades along the way, most notably with her resignation from the Socialist Party last August. “I’m still a socialist TD” she the people’s tells Liberty, “as far as I’m con- cerned my politics have not changed but I don’t believe the Socialist Party will be a vehicle of major change. “You have to build a bridge to peo- ple, that doesn’t mean you have struggle a to dilute your programme but I don’t believe that the Socialist Party explains it well enough.” This is Daly’s take on the break she believes was brewing long before her election to the Dáil. voice The resignation ended a stage of Daly’s life as a political activist that had brought her from stu-

“You have to build a bridge to people, those years ago, are poles apart. is crucial in what she believes is corrosive culture, Daly is pleased between TDs and working peo- that doesn’t mean “In the 1980s the Labour Party the dimming of the political ide- that her Dáil office, along with ple. was something different. There alism of her former colleagues. most independent TDs and Sinn “I’m on the same income as I you have to dilute was a very strong left in the party “I think many TDs spend such Féin deputies, is not in Leinster was when I was in Aer Lingus, that favoured the nationalisation a long time seeking to get elected House but the adjacent Depart- roughly around the average in- your programme of the commanding heights of the that for many of them that be- ment of Agriculture complex. dustrial wage, because if you start economy, that fully supported comes the goal. Any idealism and “I’m very happy to be away living an inflated lifestyle or but I don’t believe state industry, that fully sup- the policies they had to change from it. It means we have a bit of you’re earning more than you were, you lose track of the that the Socialist people who put you in here. Party explains it “It’s not a pie in the sky thing, it is an actual ne- well enough.” cessity to keep people “I always viewed the council as I view the grounded.” The money saved by Daly from her TD’s wage dent politics in NIHE, now Dáil – as a platform to organise from. It is used to hire an extra as- Dublin City University, sistant. through involvement in the gives you a bit of scope to articulate is- Daly, who still officially Labour Party and the anti- maintains her position as water and bin charges cam- a SIPTU shop steward paigns of the 1990s to the sues, and the media ignores you less.” with Aer Lingus, also has Dáil. strong views on the direc- It is her second break with tion of the trade union a political party. Daly was movement. among the 12 persons ex- A SIPTU activist since pelled from the Labour Party in 1989 for alleged associa- tion with the Trotskyite Mili- ported free education, free things are side-lined; it’s just a longer run if a vote is called but tant Tendency, a move that healthcare, a decent society for plough the line of least resistance I think we are much better off, be- The money saved by mirrored similar action against all, was absolute in its defence of and do not offend. cause we’re not caught up in the Militant activists in the British the welfare state and implacable “Probably many of them start whole pomp and ceremony of Le- Daly from her TD’s Labour Party. in its opposition to the market off well but that’s where they end inster House, I think that is a Her view is that the current jun- system.” up being enclosed in here [Dáil good thing.” wage is used to hire ior partner in a “vicious austerity The political culture in Leinster Eireann].” Finance is another factor, ac- government” and the organisa- House is one factor she believes Escaping what she believes is a cording to Daly, in the divergence an extra assistant. tion she was a member of all Liberty 11 Interview APRIL 2013

starting work in Aer Lingus cater- WUAG, Daly admits the grouping Democracy Ireland’s Ben Gilroy. cleared. inundated with messages from ing in the 1990s, she is outspoken has been a “disappointment.” “It is about basic democratic de- “I’m not going to be intimidated guards, retired guards and mem- in her criticism of social partner- “There was little coming to- mands, because people know by such tactics. Since we high- bers of the public who have fallen ship. gether and the component groups there is no such thing as democ- foul of the gardaí and have had lighted the issue of Garda malprac- “I think a huge amount of the largely used the ULA as a recruiting racy in Ireland, the right to recall their lives ruined. problems that exist, then and par- tice, I have been absolutely “The issue is lack of accountabil- ticularly now, is a legacy of partner- ity, particularly of the higher ranks. ship because it completely “The gardaí investigating them- demobilised an activist layer. It led selves is completely inadequate. to an utter lack of participation in It’s like Bertie Ahern climbing up the union, a lack of a democratic every tree in north Dublin looking check over the officials.” for evidence of corruption in the She adds: “Everything was sort ‘It’s about democratic demands... political process. He didn’t find of set at national level and that any. meant union officials began to see “It’s like when the HSE investi- themselves as referees, fighting the Left must be open to new gated Dr Neary’s activities in the worst excesses of a manage- Drogheda, the first report found ment proposal rather than actually that women should have been engaging in combat on behalf of and novel approaches which happy they had such a great doc- members in terms of taking their tor.” conditions forward proactively. It’s clear from Daly’s passion for “It became very much defensive. can deliver the agenda we have the issue that she intends to I think what happened was part- breach what the Morris Tribunal nership led the trade unions into into Garda corruption described as buying into the idea of accepting been fighting on all the time’ “a blue wall of silence”. the market system and accepting that you can only go so far. That thinking just put a lid on what was possible to achieve at the time.” A belief in the need for a con- frontational approach towards the ground.” and people’s referenda are impor- But Daly be- tant issues. lieves some new “The Left must be open to new formation on the Left is a neces- sity. One component in “You have to look at the opin- this new grouping ion polls which are continually may be the United putting inde- pendents very Left, a name which high. Look at the Meath East by- Daly and fellow ULA election. While Sinn Féin will TD Joan Collins is Clare Daly Photo: Photocall Ireland get votes, it is questionable seeking to register how far it will go Irish establishment is evident because some people will not vote as a political party throughout Clare’s political career. Sinn Féin. There is clearly a space Elected to Fingal County Council on the left for a real left alterna- to use in coming in 1999, she spent much energy tive. confronting “politically connected “Critically, it will come from elections. property developers in north people who are not currently polit- Dublin, “in” a struggle she ruefully ically organised, those fighting accepts was lost. “I always viewed against cuts to home helps, the and novel approaches which can the council as I view the Dáil – as a property tax, all the people that deliver the agenda we have been platform to organise from. It gives the economic crisis has forced into fighting on all the time. “ you a bit of scope to articulate is- political activity, they need to find Another key democratic deficit sues, and the media ignores you a new way of organising and a new for Daly is the Irish media, which less. voice.” she describes as “monolithic, tied “It was never a case of vote for One component in this new to the establishment”. me and I will sort it out, it is about grouping may be the United Left, However, it is on the issue of empowering people to fight for a name which Daly and fellow ULA Garda accountability that Daly is themselves and if people are will- TD Joan Collins is seeking to regis- currently concentrating her cam- ing to do that I will give the peo- ter as a political party to use in paign for democratic rights. ple’s struggle a voice” coming elections. Earlier this year, Daly along with Daly was elected to the Dáil The search for broad political al- Wallace, Flanagan and Collins used under the banner of the United liances have also brought contro- the Dáil to highlight the removal of Left Alliance, a loose electoral al- versy for Daly, most notably in her traffic penalty points by gardaí liance bringing together the Social- political alliances on issues such as from thousands of motorists, in- ist Party, People Before Profit reproductive rights and Garda cor- cluding judges and politicians. Alliance and the Workers and Un- ruption with Independent TDs Daly believes that her outspoken employed Action Group (WUAG) Mick Wallace and Ming Flanagan. criticism of this practice led di- of Tipperary TD Seamus Healy. She also makes no apologies for rectly to her arrest by the Garda on With the departure in recent sharing platforms with others be- suspicion of drink driving in Janu- Clare Daly Photo: Photocall Ireland months of the Socialist Party and yond the Left, including Direct ary, a charge of which she was 12 Liberty APRIL 2013 Economy Could austerity be over by October? ther austerity should be avoided, in line with the IMF’s own thinking on By the matter. The economy should Vic Duggan then be allowed the time it needs to heal. IVE years of perma-cri- For the price of marginally more sis have sapped the op- austerity in 2014, we would see timism of many an much stronger growth in 2015 with economist, in Ireland austerity then off the table. F This isn’t an argument for more and beyond. Some of these dismal scientists have pros- austerity, but for less and for getting pered in one sense, however, it over with as quickly as possible. Most importantly, Irish firms and by making a cottage industry families would have a degree of cer- out of doom and gloom. tainty and could start to make plans Some of the more thoughtful have for the future. Finally, we could offered some humility, realising that change the record, having endured the pre-crisis conventional wisdom austerity on constant loop for seven was, at best, incomplete and, at years. worst, false. Provided the economy grows as For normal people, the age of aus- Enough people to fill Croke Park are leaving every year Photo courtesy MSA predicted – and this is a very big if – terity feels like it’s lasting an eter- we could look forward to not having nity. With unemployment still high and incomes stagnant, making ends to dread that day in December when but is becoming increasingly aca- lessened the eventual austerity bur- meet is a constant struggle. the Minister for Finance piles on the demic… now that we are where we den by €1.6bn, reducing the total re- The full benefit of Emigration is the path of choice pain. are. quired to get our deficit below 3% of for too many of our young people: One may not agree with the prem- GDP by 2015 from €5.1bn to this €1.6bn relief enough people to fill Croke Park are ise of austerity, but it is an unfortu- €3.5bn. should be passed leaving every year. nate fact of life given Ireland’s The full benefit of this €1.6bn re- The huge household and private Emigration is the dependence on the ‘kindness of lief should be passed on to citizens on to citizens to sector debt burden means a large co- path of choice for strangers’. to bring a quicker end to austerity. bring a quicker hort of people can’t participate fully Doomsday is being brought for- There may now be an argument in our economy and in society. too many of our ward to October this year. We can ex- for pulling the plaster off quickly: if end to austerity. Unfortunately, none of this is young people: pect more of the same: public the government increased deficit re- going to change dramatically in the government wrangling and a grubby duction measures marginally in Oc- near term. enough people to compromise that leaves nobody sat- tober’s budget from what is already to take out the calculator on budget There is light at the end of the fill Croke Park are day. tunnel – and there is reason to be- isfied. planned, by €400m from €3.1bn to lieve that it isn’t the headlamp of an leaving every year. The government has given com- €3.5bn, Ireland would have met its We could concentrate on every- oncoming train. mitments to the Troika – who are budget target a year ahead of sched- thing else in our economy and soci- The recession is over. The econ- paying many of our bills at the mo- ule. Austerity would be over. ety that needs fixing. We could begin omy is growing, however slowly. Em- ment – to reduce the deficit by a fur- Of course, some of the measures working towards the longer-term ployment is rising, however ther €3.1bn in 2014 and €2bn in would not kick in fully until 2015 – aims of free GP care for all and uni- 2015, or €5.1bn in total. e.g. some tax changes and other pre- gradually. Ireland is back in the bond Everyone has taken a hit. Tax versal childcare. Two developments in early 2013 announced measures – but all the market, however tentatively. hikes and spending cuts have taken Technically, the recession may be may have changed the arithmetic for key decisions would have been It is now almost within the grasp their toll. Austerity fatigue is perva- over… but it won’t feel like it’s over of government to make austerity his- the better, however. taken. sive. until the age of austerity is at an end, tory. The Fiscal Advisory Council (FAC) In theory, economic growth could The debate on how quickly the hastening the return of strong job After seven straight hairshirt deficit should be reduced and how has estimated that the combination do the rest of the heavy lifting to growth and rising living standards. budgets since 2008, many have come the burden is shared is important, of the promissory notes deal and the bring the deficit below 3% of GDP by upwards revision in 2012 GDP has end-2015. If growth falls short, fur- The sooner the better!

ExhibitionxhiE noiitbxhi Thinking 26th April - 8th MMaMayaayy 201320 of holidaying Glasnevin G l a n es Museum,Mne m,euusvin GlasnevinGllaa nne es vin Cemetery,Cemeterryyy,, in Ireland? nF Finglasin gllaas Road,Road, DublinDu lin 1111b Make the right choice for you and your family - make GlasneGlasnevinvin MusMuseumeum is honourhonoured tto hoed hostt this eso exhibitionxhibition ooff wworksorkf s the Union choice of a Fair by the rb renownedenoy arartistt Rtiswned RRobertt Bobert Ballagh.allagh. TThehe ccollectionollection is made up Hotel of prino prints and potf posters,sertss , which will be aavailableailable tv to purpurchase.. BBechaso Ballaghallagh has donatdonateded this subsubstantialtial cants collectionollection ooff his wwork,ork, and all monies rmonie raiseded fraiss frfrom ited it, tom too the P, Patat FinucFinucane CCentre.etrenane . A list of participating hotels is available at: SOLIDARITYARIDLIO YTARI www.fairhotels.ie ROBERTO EB RRTT BALLAGHAGHLAL AGH Liberty 13 Economy APRIL 2013 Getting out of the bailout is one thing, staying out is another...

By Marie Sherlock “Austerity is counter-productive”

ITH experience was hailed as a turning point in would not in itself fully sever the over four decades tackling the eurozone crisis. Ten bank-sovereign link. At best, it would only recover a small fraction of bailing out months on, Cyprus has become the new economic experiment and of the original €20.7bn injection W advanced and through shameful mishandling, EU of equity from the NPRF and it developing countries, the IMF leaders has now significantly wouldn’t even touch the contin- has acquired a very controver- raised the probability of a euro- gent liabilities of the State arising sial reputation and has been zone breakup. from NAMA and the eligible liabil- Due to the capital controls now ities guarantee scheme, currently rightly demonised for pursuing worth some €45bn. appalling economic experi- Events in Cyprus most likely rule ments on the citizens of South out any prospect of a banking deal East Asia and Latin America. for Ireland and the lesson from But in recent years, official that debacle is best summed up by thinking has evolved somewhat Nobel Prize winner and Cypriot and so it came as no huge surprise economist, Christopher Pissarides that, in recent weeks, former IMF writing in the Financial Times on mission chief Ashoka Mody admit- Pic: CGTCatalunya March 27th when he commented ted that that the Troika had got it in place, Cyprus is now out of the that “far from the currency bloc wrong in terms of the bailout deal common currency area in all but acting as a partnership of equals, it name. Lifting these controls in an ‘Austerity is counterproductive’: former IMF Ireland Mission is a disjointed group of countries for Ireland. “Clearly the experi- Chief Ashoka Mody (left) with IMF colleague Ajai Chopra ence, if experience was needed, economy with a broken banking during a visit to Dublin in 2010 Photo: Photocall Ireland where the national interests of the has demonstrated that reliance on system will be near impossible in big nations stand higher than the austerity is counter-productive”, the near future as to do so in the interests of the whole”. At the he said, adding that the failure to absence of major reassurances tional Treasury Management prospect that the Irish banks will meeting of EU finance ministers in undertake a managed default of from the ECB would almost cer- Agency (NTMA) figures for end require fresh injections of capital Dublin in mid April, there were bank related sovereign debt was a tainly cause a bank run. March 2013, the Irish State has in from the State when it “crys- some guarded but positive reassur- mistake. Some may have breathed a sigh excess of €33bn in cash reserves in tallises” or writes down the mas- ances that the legacy bank debt Of course, the official IMF re- of relief in Ireland that we had a place to meet funding needs for sive loan losses sitting on its books issue was not yet off the table. view of Ireland published at the lucky escape and managed to avert end 2013 and 2014 and it has be- and it is clear why the IMF says Whether this message was in- start of April of course was not as a full scale panic among depositors come increasingly certain that the that EU leaders must stand by their tended to soothe the Irish hosts or blunt. Crafted as a wake up call to and avoid grounding the country Irish State will exit the bail out at June 2012 commitments. It argues was a statement of real intent re- its EU and ECB partners in the to a halt. But lest anyone forget, the end of this year. However the that retrospective recapitalisation mains to be seen. Before that can troika of lenders to Ireland, it was the Irish Government had the Na- more important question is of the Irish banks is “a critical com- be even properly considered, written with the intention of jolt- tional Pension Reserve Fund whether we will be able to stay ponent of a comprehensive strat- achievement of an agreement on ing EU leaders into action. The re- (NPRF) to fall back on to fund a out. egy for Ireland’s durable exit.” the single banking supervisory port was a stark reminder of just Some relief on EU loans, but Some 24% of all loans in Irish mechanism (SSM) for the EU 27 re- how fragile the Irish economy re- only a small part of the debt serv- banks are currently “non perform- mains, that recent signs of stabili- Cyprus has become icing story ing” and within that, 143,851 sation are no guarantee of growth The extension in mid April, of mortgages were in some form of and that unless the triple chal- the new economic the loan maturities due to the EU’s arrears of 30 days or more or have lenges of banking debt, private experiment and bailout funds, the EFSF and EFSM, had the mortgage restructured by debt and unemployment are con- provides some welcome relief over the end of December 2012. Events in Cyprus fronted the country is effectively through shameful the medium term. The precise de- most likely rule facing into a lost decade. It goes on mishandling, EU tails have yet to emerge but it Banking deal less likely out any prospect to call on Government to review its would appear that the €33.5bn Just as we said that the promis- leaders have now sory note deal, while welcome, budgetary strategy for 2014 and due in repayments by Ireland to of a banking deal only accounted for a quarter of the 2015 to ensure targets are achieved significantly raised the two EU bailout funds between State’s bank bailout burden, simi- for Ireland in a “growth friendly” manner. 2015 and 2020 will now be reduced the probability of a larly any progress in getting the EU Yet in that same report, it stops by as much as a third over this pe- eurozone breakup. to recapitalise the Irish banks short of attributing any blame for riod. However, this accounts for weak economic recovery to the de- only a small share of the total refi- flationary policies that it is forcing nancing requirement the State the Government to push through. mains a formidable hurdle. faces over the second half of this In effect, the report was a tight bal- major portion of the bailout of Some 24% of all For Ireland, the lesson must be decade. ancing act in openly challenging Irish banks. It is doesn’t appear this; our economic prospects are During that period, the State has loans in Irish the policies that the ECB and EU that any such sovereign wealth indelibly linked to the fortunes of to roll over in excess of 56% of its Commission appear hell bent on fund was at the disposal of the banks are currently the euro and in the absence of any € imposing, while at the same time Cypriots or the Greeks and the key total national debt, some 99.6bn. “non performing” real power within the EU, we need also sending a shot across their point here is that while Irish de- In the context of anaemic growth to seriously step up our efforts to bows. positors were protected over the prospects of less than 2% per year, and within that, ensure we can grow out of this short term, over the longer term it unemployment levels at or above 143,851 mortgages banking and fiscal mess. The alter- Cyprus: the game changer is the Irish citizens that have 10% and numerous households were in some form native of a long term trend of low Last June, the commitment by footed the bill, as we are all only weighed down by heavy debt anaemic growth is too depressing EU leaders to consider a retrospec- too aware. burdens, meeting this refinancing of arrears of 30 days to contemplate. tive bank deal for Ireland and to NTMA figures schedule is a major challenge in itself. bring about deeper banking union According to the most recent Na- Add in the ever increasing 14 Liberty APRIL 2013 Economy We need to avoid low growth

By Dr Micheál Collins ‘The lack of any ‘pick-up’

N ITS latest commentary in domestic activities on the Irish economy, the Nevin Economic Re- remains one of the two I search Institute (NERI) has pointed towards a period key problems for the of continued stagnation with sluggish growth and on-going Irish economy’ high levels of unemployment over the next three years. Given current policies, the trade union supported think-tank’s spring 2013 Quarterly Economic Observer reported that economic growth is way. likely to be low this year, at around Following the deal on the Anglo 1% of GDP, and increase marginally Irish promissory notes, the Gov- to 1.2% in 2014 and 2% in 2015. ernment has saved approximately Such sluggish growth is likely to €1 billion this year and this saving carry significant implications for the will be added to, given the recent labour market and government fi- deal to restructure the payment pe- nances. riods for Irish debt. On employment, the NERI proj- The report recommended using ects a further shrinking of the num- these funds and other resources to bers employed in 2013, by 0.6%, fund a domestic stimulus pro- with employment levels remaining gramme which would be focused static in 2014 and 2015. on areas such as broadband, water infrastructure, early childhood ed- Meanwhile, the growing labour vised downwards driven by the scale nomic stability and growth among force will mean unemployment will ucation, retrofitting and green en- of the domestic-focused austerity our key trading partners. Late 2012 move towards 15% of the workforce ergy. measures prescribed and adopted. saw both the German and UK in 2014 with reductions being prin- Such a programme would lift do- His thesis is simple – if you ‘ad- economies shrink, with discussion cipally driven by outward migration mestic activity, employment and just’ too much, you cut off the in the latter now turning from the among young people. tax revenues while providing long- chances of any domestic recovery fear of a ‘double-dip’ recession to the more and more domestic adjust- Lower growth, static employment term beneficial assets to the econ- and you prolong, if not increase, the prospect of a ‘triple dip’. ments. and an on-going unemployment cri- omy. It would also give the economic challenges the country While this is completely outside This, of course, further depresses sis carries sizeable implications for economy breathing space to re- faces. the scope of the Irish Government, the domestic economy. the public finances. Without growth, cover as we await a wider interna- Government’s borrowing targets A familiar sentiment to those of the reality remains that the lack of The NERI report highlighted a us making this point over and over any benefit from external growth need for Government to adopt a se- tional economic recovery. look ambitious and this calls into Dr Micheál Collins is Senior Research question the feasibility of the adjust- again in recent years. makes the challenges facing the Irish ries of alternative policies which The other key problem for the economy harder and has caused the would assist in avoiding the low Officer at the NERI. The latest report is ment path currently being pursued. available at www.NERInstitute.net While there are signs of some sta- Irish economy is the lack of eco- Troika and Government to prescribe growth, high unemployment path- bilisation in domestic demand, the amount being spent by households, companies and the Government within the Irish economy remains depressed. The lack of any ‘pick-up’ in do- mestic activities remains one of two Fiscal Advisory Council has a rethink key problems for the Irish economy. As this is the job-intensive sector of ANOTHER recent report on modelling of the economy sug- the economy, recovery is dependent the Irish economy came from gests lower growth and likely dif- on things getting moving on the the Fiscal Advisory Council ‘While the Council offers no explanation ficulties for the Government ground around the country. and it is of note that the for the contrasts in its economic policy meeting these targets. Yet, this contrasts with the Gov- Council’s recommendations The IMF and others remain ernment’s current approach which prescriptions, it has highlighted the more optimistic of domestic and for the economy have international recovery next year. has been to cut public expenditure changed. precarious nature of the Irish economy’ The Council’s latest report also and increase taxes and simultane- Last year, they argued for faster notes the big impact on the do- ously hope that people will spend and deeper adjustments conclud- plans; abandoning the do-more- growth will impede the economy mestic economy of reductions in more and do more. ing that these would be in the best faster message. from achieving the Troika borrow- capital investment. Cutting capital Of course, they have not – a point interest of the economy. Fortu- While the Council offers no ex- ing targets by 2015. That message investment has been a major focus highlighted in the NERI report and nately, their advice for an extra €2 planation for the contrasts in its is similar to the concerns ex- of the public expenditure cuts also by recent comments from the billion of adjustments was noted, economic policy prescriptions, it pressed by the IMF in its recent over recent years. IMF economist Ashoda Mody, one of but not implemented, by the Gov- has highlighted the precarious commentary on the Irish econ- Of course, given this finding, the architects of the Irish bailout ernment in Budget 2013. nature of the Irish economy. omy. the reverse also holds – with in- programme. This year they have recom- In their view, there remains a The IMF and Fiscal Council dif- creases in capital investment offer- Looking at the performance of the mended that the Government one-in-three chance that low fer from the NERI, as the latter’s ing the potential for a sizeable Troika programme for Ireland, Mody stick to its current adjustment domestic focused stimulus. noted that expectations for eco- nomic growth continued to be re- Liberty 15 Liberty View APRIL 2013 Liberty

By JACK O’CONNOR SIPTU General President View Equality needed in adjustment programme SIPTU members, together with their how we increase taxation to do it. The first ca- pensions at a maximum of €100,000 per fellow trade unionists across the public sualties would be working people and public annum, even to the extent of promoting a con- service, have decisively rejected the service workers, in particular, as well as those stitutional referendum to do it, if necessary. (A proposals for a revised Croke Park who depend most on the services they provide. number of referenda are already scheduled for Agreement. The result reflected a the autumn on other matters). deeper resentment among workers gen- The next move is up to the Government. If it chooses to legislate for pay cuts it will be faced In parallel with this, the Fine Gael party should erally and public servants, in particular, with a co-ordinated industrial response across give some ground on the taxation of wealth towards the way in which they have the entire trade union movement in the public and of those on high incomes. Their insistence been forced to carry the lion’s share of service on a scale which has not been seen on protecting this tiny minority at the top is the burden of adjustment while the since 1913. No-one can be certain of the out- detrimental to maintaining the social cohesion wealthy have contributed very little. It come but it would be enormously destructive that is necessary for economic recovery. also reflected fatigue with the troika on all sides. imposed one sided austerity strategy of Their insistence on protecting the last five years, which transparently There is some room for manoeuvre as a result this tiny minority at the top is doesn’t work. (Even Professor Ashoka detrimental to maintaining the Mody, the former IMF mission chief The next move is up to the social cohesion that is neces- who was prominently involved in im- sary for economic recovery. posing it in the first place, recently de- Government. If it chooses to scribed it as a mistake). legislate for pay cuts it will be faced with a co-ordinated Simultaneously, the Government should signal The proposal is now comprehensively defeated. industrial response across the its intention to use the space afforded by the Unfortunately, the problem hasn’t gone away. entire trade union movement promissory note deal, along with a major off The troika agreement requires us to reduce the in the public service on a scale balance sheet stimulus to: gap between tax revenue and spending, (which which has not been seen since was the highest in the Eurozone until this 1913. - Fund Job Creation year), to 3% of GDP by the end of 2015. This - Alleviate hardship for working families entails further savings amounting to €5.1bn (if and growth holds up). In accordance with the prin- of the promissory note deal which will afford - Protect public services ciples of the Programme for Government be- breathing space of €1bn in 2014 and €1.025bn tween Fine Gael and Labour the distribution is in 2015. Proper use of this accompanied by the Such an approach would create the context about 40% tax and 60% cuts. This means that launch of a significant off balance sheet stimu- for negotiation of a settlement in two phases about €3bn is to be achieved through cuts. lus programme as well as a belated tax contri- entailing: Public service pay and pensions amount to 35% bution from the rich would lessen the of spending – hence the proposal to cut them requirement for a €1bn cut in public service - Interim terms to apply to the end of this by €1bn. pay and pensions. year - Better terms for 2014 and 2015 Apart from the troika programme, getting to The Government has more flexibility to con- the 3% deficit is also key to exiting the so cede ground in respect of the cuts projected for An unnecessary and mutually destructive con- called “bailout” and remaining free of its stric- 2014 and 2015. The €300m from this year is frontation would be avoided. A degree of tures. Some say this is all irrelevant to the more difficult because it is already in Budget equality would be introduced into the adjust- lives of working people and their families. 2013. ment process and public service workers would Nothing could be further from the truth. Un- retain the protections of the Croke Park Agree- less we can get back to borrowing for ourselves It still has the capacity to retrieve the situation ment against compulsory redundancy, indis- the architects of the next bailout, (if we get in respect of 2014 and 2015. It should take criminate redeployment and outsourcing of one), will decide how fast we reduce our 122% steps to redress the inequity in the adjustment their work. Debt/GDP ratio. They will dictate how we dis- process to date. A good start could be made by mantle what remains of our public services and declaring its intention to cap publicly funded 16 Liberty APRIL 2013 Comment Putting development at the service of universal rights... It is a strange time to be talking relevant to the Irish context. While about ambitious universal develop- they enabled progress, they also co- By ment goals in the middle of an eco- existed too comfortably with grow- Niall Crowley nomic crisis that drives us towards ing inequality within poor countries greater inequality and poverty. and between poor countries and However, it is timely, as the UN, wealthier countries. ECENT work, partic- the EU and the Irish Presidency of They failed to address the eco- ipative democracy, the EU are deciding, debating and nomic dimension to development and sustainable de- consulting on what happens after and the transformations needed for velopment could the expiry of the Millennium Devel- development with social justice. usefullyD be established as opment Goals of the United Nations. The current thinking in official cir- some of the universal goals to The Millennium Development cles is that whatever comes next drive global development. Goals are credited with reductions in should be relevant to all countries – These were among the issues de- extreme poverty and child mortality, rich and poor. The idea of ‘universal bated at the Claiming Our Future increased access to safe drinking goals’ holds potential for, and rele- event on Setting Goals for a Better water and primary school enrol- vance to, Ireland. Ireland in a Just World on Saturday ment, improved gender equality and However, civil society will need to (20th April). The event was organ- greater levels of overseas develop- have some real influence on the de- ised jointly with Dochas and the ment aid. bate if such universal goals are to Wheel. However, they were never seen as stimulate and support a break with

SIPTUPIS UT MEMBERSHIP BMEM E R S H PIH SERVICES VRES I C SEC

our current model of development. They should ensure the establish- HighlyHi hl CCompetitivetiti New goals must have an economic ment of deliberative opportunities focus. The International Labour Or- where citizens can have a say about ganisation (ILO) has usefully devel- issues and decisions that impact on HHomeo Insurance! oped a ‘decent work’ agenda. them. Decent work is defined as involv- New goals must ensure that devel- ExclusivexE c Discounts for SIPTU Members ing opportunities for work that is opment happens within the limits productive and delivers a fair in- of the planet’s capacity. This is an come, security in the workplace and issue that has eluded agreement IncludesInclud accidental damage cover social protection for families, better ithin the international community. as standard,sta plus many more prospects for personal development w and social integration, freedom for A good starting point would be a greatrg eat benefits! people to express their concerns, or- universal goal to reduce consump- ganise and participate in the deci- tion of goods by those who are IVE H sions that affect their lives, and wealthy. TIT OM E E equality of opportunity and treat- It is astonishing that the richest P I M N ment for all women and men. 20th percentile consumes 80% of S O

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E ing jobs, guaranteeing employment H H H H H percentile.The Universal Declaration rights, extending social protection, of Rights should be the starting and promoting social dialogue. point for this debate. Everyone Decent work should be established agrees with the Universal Declara- as one universal goal. tion of Human Rights, so why not New goals must give people a say implement it? in how their society and community It includes important rights for develops. The limits of a democracy that re- the protection of various freedoms. lies solely on representation have Most importantly for this debate, it ToTo availiava ol off thisiht SpecialaicepSs Offer fOl ef e CalllaCr ul us nowons ow onno been exposed. An exclusive political includes rights to work, education, elite emerges. Accountability is com- and an adequate standard of living 1890 3000030981 70 745 4 5 or r vo visit i s i t siptu.jltonline.ieis i.enilnotlj.utp e promised, as it is limited to five for health and well-being. yearly ballots. Corruption becomes a A commitment to a universal goal

Subject jbuS to underwriting rwrednuottce i t and adnagni acceptance criteria. rcecnatpecca i ret i a Terms and conditions idnocdnasmreT. t apply.pasnoi pp l y . reality. A political unresponsiveness of rights-based development, to popular demands grows in times founded on fulfilling the rights set n k en s T J JLT ITL Insurance usn r Becna Brokers r eko r s I Ireland r e l dna Limited L imi trading tdet as JLT Ireland, ITLJsagnidar ler JLT Financial cnaniFTLJ,dna i a Services,Sl eS r v i sec , of crisis. out in the Universal Declaration of carunI h,dalerI G GIS I IS Ireland, r e l dna Charity ahC, r i t Iy Insurance,Teacherwise, usn r ecna Childcare ihC,esiwrehcaeT,e Insurance, JLT Online, lnOTLJ,ecnarusnIeracdl ni ,e JLT TTLJ Trade Credit derCedar i t I Insurance iecnarusn is rs regulated luger by the Central tneCehtybdeta ar Bank of foknaBl Ireland. I er l dna . Universal goals should support Human Rights should now be our the growth and development of an shared minimum standard. active and challenging civil society. Liberty 17 International APRIL 2013 Gilroy - the Irish Grillo?

By Frank Connolly

Be careful what you wish for. Solidarity Movement and the ex- for constitutional purposes. During the 2011 The voters of Meath East re- treme right wing Freeman move- Gilroy was present when a group general election warded Direct Democracy Ire- ment. Earlier this year, members of promoting the Freeman view of Whitehead, a for- land (DDI) candidate, Ben the latter group invaded the front the world delayed the eviction of a mer antique dealer, of the anti-austerity demonstra- man from his home near Moun- night club and Gilroy, with a surprising 6.5% tion organised by the Irish Con- trath, county Laois in early 2012. restaurant owner of the vote pushing Labour gress of Trade Unions in Dublin According to one witness, Gilroy took 120 votes in into fourth place and upset- insisting that the organisers turn it subjected the deputy sheriff to “a Dublin South for ting Sinn Fein’s plans for a into a rally against the proposed lecture in law which would sound DDI while the liter- bigger slice of the cake. But property tax. The Freeman of the suspect to the ears of any first year ature of another did they know for whom they law student, let alone a practicing candidate in the were voting when they opted lawyer.” Gilroys argument appears constituency, Jane for the former electrical con- to be based on the view that all Murphy of the tractor? Many voters in Italy, Thus Gilroy state law is invalid and so does not Christian Solidary deserve respect. Party, detailed links particularly those on the Left, is ‘Ben of The campaigner has also been to DDI. are only now discovering that the ancient prominent in demonstrations in The message of the 5StarMovement (5SM) Cavan supporting billionaire busi- the DDI is that led by multi-millionaires clan Giolla nessman Sean Quinn. Irish democracy Beppe Grillo and Gianroberto Rua’ His well-funded by-election cam- would be better Casaleggio contains a signifi- paign saw hundreds of Gilroy served with Swiss Direct Democracy Ireland (DDI) candidate cant number of fascist sym- “Returning Power to You” posters type recall refer- Ben Gilroy, Picture: Photocall pathisers. Land movement has its origins in around east Meath although there enda which, it ar- an obscure conspiracy theory was little mention in his public ut- gues, would make Back at home, the people around which propounds that a birth cer- terances of his admiration of the political sys- Gilroy and DDI founders, Ray- tutional confusion, economic or- tificate creates a legal entity which Farage (who is also president of tem more accountable. It will be mond Whitehead and Clare thodoxy and flirtation with the ex- is separate from a person’s body. the far-right Europe of Freedom interesting to note what the good Leonard, have discovered that treme right in Europe when they Thus Gilroy is “Ben of the ancient and Democracy group), or his folk of Meath East, and other their populist views include an come to marking their ballot pa- clan Giolla Rua (Sovereign)” in- appearances with the Quinn fam- places where DDI hopes to stand, empathy with UKIP leader Nick pers next time around. stead of just plain old Ben Gilroy… ily or the Freeman movement. make of this heady mix of consti- Farage, the anti-abortion Christian Italy’s populist maverick in threat to export ‘revolution’ By Frank Connolly THE leader of the M5M in Spain that are taking inspiration investments in Costa Rica, say- "The euro is not Europe. Now Italy, Beppe Grillo, is the from us," said the 64-year-old former ing the article was "revenge" for it's all based on financial specu- latest politician to an- comedian, whose movement now his proposal to cut subsidies for lation, on banks, on bond nounce that his plans to ex- has 163 deputies and senators in newspaper publishers. spreads. We want a Plan B for port his revolution across parliament. Grillo, who is a millionaire, survival," he said. Europe and the world. "This has gone beyond the In- Grillo has also rejected criti- From Greece, the neo-fascist dignados and Occupy Wall cism of his stance against sup- Golden Dawn party has already Street," he said. porting the main centre-left set its sights on the huge Greek Despite hjs apparent endorse- ‘This is a coalition which narrowly won diaspora stretching from the US ment of the Spanish and US progres- revolution elections, saying: "They just to Australia (see page 17). sive movements, his supporters wanted our votes. They didn't Now Grillo, whose populist include many with more ortho- without the talk about collaboration." policies helped garner 25% of dox, even right-wing and fascist "There are these dinosaurs the vote in the Italian elections tendencies. Grillo has called for guillotine who have been here for 30 years. earlier this year, has promised to the elimination trade unions The country is in ruins. They are promote his brand of anti-estab- and has demanded that one so- – for now’ the ones who ruined it. They lishment politics across Europe lution to the current economic were inside the system. They de- in what he has described as a crisis is to lay off tens of thou- stroyed this great country and "revolution without the guillo- sands of public employees. Casa- said the money belonged to his now they tell us to save it," he tine – for now". leggio, a former financial backer wife and his brother-in-law, added. "This is the greatest revolution of the far-right Northern League, adding: "In any case, I can have Grillo has been resisting calls in history. This is a revolution has used his web-marketing all the companies in the world. from within his own ranks and without the guillotine – for skills to attract support from It's not public money. I earned across the Italian left to form a now," he said while campaigning Italian neo-fascist groups such it." government with the centre-left in local elections on on 18th as Casa Pound and Forza Nuova. Asked about his plans to hold Democratic Party, which took April in northeast Italy. Grillo has also been forced to a referendum on euro member- 29% of the vote and prevent a re- Former comic Beppe Grillo scooped a defend himself against accusa- ship, Grillo said he was person- turn to power by former prime quarter of the vote in Italy’s last election "In Europe, we are getting or- ganised. They are getting organ- tions by Italian news weekly L'E- ally undecided whether to keep minister, the right-wing and ised. There are movements in spresso that he had offshore the currency or not. scandal-ridden Silvio Berlusconi. 18 Liberty APRIL 2013 International

Golden Dawn MP Ilias Kasidiaris, centre, has said the party Anti-racist activists stage anti-Golden will spread 'wherever there are Greeks' Picture: Thanassis Stavrakis/AP Dawn protest Picture: Louisa Gouliamaki/AFP/Getty Weimar in the 1920s, Athens in the 2010s... horrifying rise of Golden Dawn MBOLDENED by its meteoric rise in Greece, the far-right EGolden Dawn party is spreading its tentacles abroad, amid fears it is acting Spectre of Far Right haunts the on its pledge to "create cells in every corner of the world". The extremist group, which forged links with British neo-Nazis when it was founded in the 1980s, has begun opening offices in Germany, Aus- cradle of European civilisation tralia, Canada and the US. The international push follows disgust and derision by many promi- the colonels who oversaw seven influence worldwide." Macedonia, Cyprus and [the Greek successive polls that show Golden nent members of the Greek diaspora years of brutal anti-leftist dictator- With its 300,000-strong commu- minority] in Voreio Epirus [southern Dawn entrenching its position as who represent communities in both ship until the collapse of military nity, Melbourne has pride of place in Albania], who cannot see the fascis- Greece's third, and fastest growing, the northern and southern hemi- rule in 1974. the constellation of Greek-populated tic part of this party. Golden Dawn is political force. spheres. "Like-minded groups in Europe metropolises that dot a diaspora of- trying to exploit them." First catapulted into parliament "We don't see any gold in Golden and Russia have given the party ide- ficially estimated at around seven In Greece, where Golden Dawn with 18 MPs last year, the ultra-na- Dawn," said Father Alex Karloutsos, ological, and sometimes financial, million. has begun to recruit in schools, there tionalists captured 11.5% support in one of America's leading Greek com- support to print books and maga- As part of its international push, are fears of complacency. a recent survey conducted by polling munity figures, in Southampton, zines. After years of importing Golden Dawn has also focused on Drawing parallels with the 1930s company Public Issue. New York. “Nationalism, fascism, nazism, it now wants to export the US, a magnet for migrants for Weimar period and the rise of The group – whose logo resembles xenophobia are not part of our spir- nazism," added Psarras. generations, and Canada, which at- Hitler's National Socialist German the swastika and whose members Workers' party, the historian Mark are prone to give Nazi salutes – has Mazower recently warned against gone from strength to strength, pro- Golden Dawn ‘Unfortunately underestimating the threat posed by moting itself as the only force will- a party whose use of violence was so ing to take on the "rotten promotes itself the Greek state disturbing. establishment". "Unfortunately, the Greek state Amid rumours of backing from as the only does not seem does not seem to realise the urgency wealthy shipowners, it has suc- of the situation," he told an audience ceeded in opening party offices force willing to to realise the in Athens. across Greece. take on ‘rotten urgency of the After spending almost 30 years It is also concentrating on spread- following Golden Dawn, Psarras ing internationally, with news last establishment’ situation’ agrees. Only weeks ago, he claimed, month that it had opened an office Michaloliakos held talks in the in Germany and planned to set up Greek parliament with two German branches in Australia. itual or cultural heritage." By infiltrating communities tracted tens of thousands of Greeks neo-Nazis posing as journalists. The party's spokesman, Ilias Ka- But Golden Dawn is hoping to tap abroad, the far-rightists were at- after Greece's devastating 1946-49 Golden Dawn rejected the claim as sidiaris, said it had decided to estab- into the deep well of disappoint- tempting not only to shore up their civil war. "old mud". lish cells "wherever there are ment and fury felt by Greeks living credibility but also to find extra "It's a well-studied campaign," said "It is an extremely dangerous phe- Greeks". abroad, in the three years since the funding and perhaps even potential Anastasios Tamis, Australia's pre-em- nomenon and do I think it will get "People have understood that debt-stricken nation was plunged votes if Greeks abroad ever won the inent ethnic Greek historian. worse? Yes, I do," Psarras said, Chrysi Avgi [Golden Dawn] tells the into crisis. right to cast ballots in elections. "There is a large stock of very con- lamenting that, with living stan- truth," he told a Greek-language "Golden Dawn is not like other "[Golden Dawn] not only wants to servative people here – former roy- dards plummeting, the organisation paper in Melbourne. parties in Greece. From its begin- become the central pole of a pan-Eu- alists, former loyalists to the junta, was opening offices. "In our immediate sights and aims nings, in the early 80s, it always had ropean alliance of neo-Nazis, even if that sort of thing – who are very dis- "Ten years ago, if you had said is the creation of an office and local one eye abroad," said Dimitris Psar- in public it will hotly deny that," appointed at what has been happen- Golden Dawn would become the third biggest force in Greece, you'd organisation in Melbourne. In fact, ras, whose book, Golden Dawn's claimed Psarras, who said party ing in Greece and are trying to find very soon a visit of MPs to Australia be called crazy," said Psarras. "Now Black Bible, chronicles the organisa- members regularly meet with neo- a means to express it. is planned." look where it is." tion since its creation by Nikos Nazis from Germany, Italy and Ro- “They are nationalists who feel be- But the campaign has met with This report first appeared in The Guardian Michaloliakos, an overt supporter of mania. It wants to spread its trayed by Greece over issues like newspaper Liberty 19 News APRIL 2013 Ireland linked to global web of tax avoidance

By Frank Connolly

Dozens of Irish addresses growing crisis over offshore tax to Irish addresses have yet been re- within the State. in Russia by bankrupt property de- have been linked to accounts havens. leased by the ICIJ or the Guardian Complex offshore structures veloper, Sean Quinn. held in offshore secrecy jurisdic- The controversy was also raised and other media organisations have been used to own mansions, The former billionaire was also tions, allowing their holders to by German chancellor, Angela which co-operated in the extensive yachts and other assets while giv- linked to a number of properties in avoid paying their fair share of Merkel with her British counter- search of offshore holdings. ing account holders the benefits of Russia and Ukraine. The now liqui- part David Cameron after it It is estimated globally that anonymity and tax advantages. dated International Bank Resolu- tax. emerged that the British Virgin Is- wealthy individuals have €16 to Sherlock added: “There is the tion Corporation had sought to The revelation that up to €25 tril- lands (BVI) was a key location for €25 trillion hidden offshore. concern that, in a time of reces- recover as much as $500 million lion could be held in various off- up to 100,000 secret offshore SIPTU Economist, Marie Sher- sion, the wealthy may be slipping (€385) million in assets from shore locations across the globe trusts. lock, said: “That such vast sums of into the practices of the past. Quinn’s investments in both coun- led to its discussion at the meeting A worldwide investigation by the money have been removed from “During the 1980s, vast amounts tries. of Ecofin (EU finance) ministers in International Consortium of Inves- the global tax net means funding is of private wealth was illegally held The documents analysed in the Dublin in mid-April. It has also fed tigative Journalists (ICIJ) released being withheld for services and in- offshore by swathes of the Irish investigation were passed to ICIJ controversies in several EU and on Thursday (4th April) has found vestment aimed at ensuring a bet- elite, a situation which deepened director, Gerard Ryle, on a hard other countries including France between 50 and 60 addresses in ter standard of living for the the impact of economic recession drive containing more than 260 gi- where the budget minister, Jerome Ireland in documents which in- majority of people.” for the Irish people. These issues gabytes of data with over two mil- Cahuzac, was forced to resign after clude the identities of thousands All the Irish addresses may not should be of concern to the Gov- lion emails. it emerged that he had hidden of wealthy account holders who be directly linked to individuals or ernment and require a swift re- The ICIJ along with dozens of large sums in Switzerland and hold their wealth in offshore tax businesses who own the secret sponse.” journalists from a network of in- other offshore locations to avoid havens. It is believed that more funds and could be registered to fi- An early release of some of the ternational media outlets, includ- tax. A succession of Socialist Party than 30,000 Irish firms have direc- nancial intermediaries, including findings of the investigation by the ing the Guardian, BBC and the ministers were then forced to re- tors registered in offshore jurisdic- directors, shareholders, secretaries Guardian last November traced Washington Post, worked on veal their assets as President Fran- tions. None of the names linked and nominees holding addresses British Virgin Island entities used analysing the files for 15 months. cois Hollande sought to defuse a

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NEC PROFILE — Anton McCabe NEC Notes

A great honour to be elected to the NEC Appointment of a Social Media Administrator SIPTU National He told Liberty that his in- tion as a National Trustee he The General Secretary advised the NEC that Trustee Anton McCabe volvement with the trade commented that it is a great there is a gap in our communications strat- has been a trade union union movement allowed him honour to be elected to the egy that needs to be filled in order to im- to be a voice and advocate for NEC, the highest office open activist ever since he prove the union’s connection with a younger the membership, and the to an activist within SIPTU. audience, in particular, through social media. started work in Navan community of his home town “I want to thank the Construc- Carpets in 1974. He then Navan and beyond. tion & Utilities Division for The NEC agreed unanimously to proceed to went on to work in Tara Anton got involved in a putting their trust in me”, he appoint a Social Media Administrator with a Mines where he contin- number of community cam- said. view to improving and developing this area of paigns in his area such as Save Anton added that the trade media communications. ued his activity with the Navan Hospital, was elected union movement over the trade union movement. to Navan Town Council in years has met many chal- A member of the Meath 2009, and held the position of lenges and overcame them, Branch of the ITGWU for Mayor of Navan in 2011/2012. but is in a new place now. Establishment of District Councils years and then SIPTU, he held The General President advised that the SIPTU National Trustee Anton played a major role “The challenges facing our Anton McCabe many positions in the branch in highlighting the blatant ex- members and the threats to General Officers had discussions relating to including trustee, Vice Presi- ploitation of economic mi- their livelihoods are deep and the District Committee structure. dent and eventually the posi- grants who came to our severe. He advised that the Officers were proposing tion of President. country in the late 90s. He “We now have to take on He also held a position on told Liberty that the abuse of the Troika as well as employ- to promote a rule change to address the the Regional Executive Com- these workers by indigenous ers and government. SIPTU as issue of the establishment of District Councils mittee, where he gained a lot employers has left a scar of an organisation has to con- throughout the island of Ireland. of experience and confidence shame on our country. Ireland tinue to show strong, coher- It would also be the intention that each from Jack O’ Connor, Mike is no longer an attractive des- ent, leadership, to protect the Jennings, and Christy Mc tination for economic mi- interests of our members,” District Council would be entitled to nominate Quillan former regional secre- grants because of this. Anton said. two delegates to attend the Biennial Delegate taries. When asked about his elec- Conference. Following a discussion on the various loca- tions for the District Councils, the proposition was agreed in principle. NEC PROFILE — Tim Daly A union activist for over 30 years

Tim Daly is a member of ployment. The trade union divi- Pearson, who still remains his the NEC serving as one of dend was very apparent to me. adviser and good friend and also the unions trustees and As shop steward for the Cork CIT served as President on the South branch and chairperson of the West Regional Executive Com- has worked in the Security National Negotiating Committee, mittee for five years. wages out of competition and to industry for G4S (formally I take this responsibility very se- In 2010, he was elected as help further regulate the indus- riously and never lose touch trustee on the NEC and he is cur- Securicor) as a Cash in try. My aim as a trade union ac- with the reality of dealing with rently involved in the NEC re- Transit (CIT) employee for tivist is to make the CIT industry member’s livelihoods especially structuring committee. the last 37 years. 100% unionised. I believe this is in these precarious times. Work- “My role as a trustee on the G4S is a multinational com- possible because it is a unique ers’ pay and conditions are con- NEC has given me an insight into pany which employs over section of the security industry stantly under threat by the enormous task and responsi- 700,000 employees in over 115 and pay and work conditions are employers in order to stay bility of running an organisation countries around the world. The better in unionised companies.” within the competitiveness of such as SIPTU, of which I am company and SIPTU have a long Tim also believes that the Pri- the CIT market. In light of the very proud to be a member. My SIPTU National Trustee standing recognition and collec- vate Security Authority (PSA) has current recession it is imperative position on the NEC has facili- Tim Daly tive bargaining agreement. As a an important role to play within that jobs are maintained. In my tated me in being a representa- member of the then Securicor the CIT industry. This year, in own company, workers have tive voice on behalf of the European Works Council for May, for the first time the CIT complied with many changes in security officers and contract three years, Tim had the oppor- industry will be licensed. The their conditions and work prac- cleaners in my sector. As a cur- tunity of meeting fellow workers role of the PSA will be enhanced tices down through the years and rent member and past Chairman and trade unionists from around and there is an expectation that more recently have had to accept of the Contract Cleaning and Se- the world. policing and monitoring of the further changes in agreement curity Sector, I have played a role Tim told Liberty, “It struck me industry will level the playing with a Company Survival Deal.” in calling for REAs across our sec- very clearly early on that in the pitch. A union activist for over 30 tor and am very much aware of parts of Europe where the work- years, Tim has served as Presi- the need to have an REA in place force was organised they had dent of the Cork No. 5 branch particularly now for the CIT as much better conditions of em- with now retired official, John this is a key mechanism to take Liberty 21 Tradition APRIL 2013

1913 Events Calendar REMEMBERING 1913 May O’Brien 23rd April – 18th May 1913 commemoration events Glasnevin Cemetery tour of workers’ How the Countess saved our lives... – for a much more extensive leaders graves full listing of daily events Among the graves visited are those visit www.1913committee.ie of Countess Markievicz, Helena Maloney, founding member of the ‘I WORKED as a 15-year-old empty-handed. morrow – a nurse and a doctor. Tell Irish Women Workers Union, Sean girl in the Clothing Branch of The woman spoke. "Why were your mother that. Tomorrow morn- TUESDAY, 23RD APRIL Connolly, the first casualty of the the ITGWU in 1947 in the old you so intent on running away from ing early. Now come with me." Dramatic readings from Strumpet Liberty Hall which was on the In a short time he found himself City Easter Rising, and Charlotte us?" she asked. Despard, sister of Lord French, and running alongside a tall man with a Fergus Cronin & historian Paul same site as the current build- Her accent was British and hard to revolutionary socialist agitator. The Rouse evoke the atmosphere of the ing. understand but the question had to bag of coal over his shoulder and tour culminates at the grave of time and provide historical context I worked till 6.00 p.m. each day. be answered. He tried so hard to ex- pockets stuffed with bags. James Larkin where actor Jer through reading, recorded music One of my He himself O’Leary will perform Larkin’s and imagery. tasks was to had his food par- famous speech. Drumcondra Library, Millmount tend the two cel again and his Glasnevin Cemetery, Sunday, Avenue, Drumcondra, at 6.30 p.m. fires which docket safe in 28th April at 1.00 p.m. Admission free. Booking essential. kept the his pocket. They Tickets 12/ 8 concession. Booking Email:[email protected] € € advised. Email: booking@glasnevin- dampness at went up the Tel: 01 837 7206 trust.ie Tel: 01 882 6550 bay and to en- stairs, banisters sure they were and steps miss- WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24TH quenched ing, already Strumpet City – the TV series MAY when I left. burnt, and the Bryan Murray (Fitz), John Kelleher A few men man paused out- (executive producer) and Tony Barry THURSDAY, 2ND MAY (producer) tell the story of the would sit in side the door of making of the iconic TV series. Galway Trade Unions 1913-2013 the office their room. Speakers Mary Clancy and John National Library of Ireland, Kildare waiting for a "You go in Cunningham. Street, at 6.30 p.m. later meeting first, son," he Sean Meade Room, SIPTU offices, and if I could said. "And tell Forster Court, Galway, at 7.00 p.m. Countess Markievicz’s grave Tenement Tour I'd make a cup your Da that is Organised by SIPTU Galway District in Glasnevin Cemetery Tour of former tenement house of tea for them Picture: Informatique (CC BY-SA 2) with Madam's Committee. Contact No. 14 Henrietta Street. compliments [email protected], text 087 677 6819 before putting Wednesday 24th from 12.30 p.m. or phone 01 858 8285 the fire out. and she'll call to 2.00 p.m. Booking essential. One man herself when Email: [email protected] THURSDAY TO SATURDAY, told this story several times to us plain but wasn't sure he could. things are a little easier." Tel: 01 222 3824 9TH – 11TH MAY and became emotional about it. I "Well," he said, "Me Ma is crying, And then he lit the fire, made tea, don't know his name – they all had and they'd bread and jam to go with THURSDAY, APRIL 25TH: Bratacha 2013 – a Festival of Flags and me Da is crying too, but the it. And the man crumbled bread in An Evening with Rashers Tierney – and Emblems (including Union nicknames – but I'm quite sure the Banners) in Dun Laoghaire. readings and songs from James story is true. a cup with warm milk for the little Plunkett’s Strumpet City For details go to www.bratacha.com He was 10 in the closing months girl, and the baby was brought to the The classic novel of Dublin city life in of the Lockout. He lived in a tene- fire wrapped in a warm shawl and a SATURDAY, MAY 18TH: And that night, the early 1900’s through the words of ment room with his family near Do- rug provided for the girls’ bed. Women and Poverty: Then and Now, the irrepressible Rashers Tierney. minick Street. as the man And that night, as the man always Living Conditions: 1913-2013: Moving Waterways Ireland Visitors Centre, His Dad told him he must go to said, warmth, food, and hope had Forward, Achieving Equality for Grand Canal Quay, at 6.30 p.m. always said, been given – it was Heaven! Women? Liberty Hall for the food parcel and Booking advisable. Email: visitor- Countess Markievicz School. the docket was so valuable it was warmth, food And next morning a woman doc- [email protected] Tel: 01 Keynote Speaker: Dr Pauline Conroy. pinned to his pocket. tor and a nurse arrived and dealt 677 7510 Other Speakers: Mary Murphy, NUIM, He went barefoot since he'd out- and hope had with the health problems. grown his boots and the city was de- His mother had a breast infection FRIDAY, 26TH APRIL Oliver Williams (Modern Day Soup been given – it serted. His docket inspected, he and couldn't feed the baby who was Dublin City Bike Tours: Explore Kitchen), Clare Daly TD, Caitriona fading away and the little girl had James Plunkett’s Strumpet City Crowe, National Archives, Graham joined the queue and after his was Heaven! Usher, Priory Hall residents, Rita Meet outside Isaac’s Hostel, docket was inspected again got his lost the will to live. Fagan, Community Activist, Ethel Frenchman’s Lane, off Lower food allocation. It was Countess Markievicz he Buckley SIPTU and Justine Gardiner Street. Turning at a run for the door he baby doesn't cry any more. And me had met that day in Liberty Hall and McCarthy, Sunday Times. Each Friday in April at 10.00 a.m., collided with a woman carrying a two sisters, well, they have to stay he reckoned she was the person Liberty Hall, Dublin, beings at duration 2.5 hours. tray of stuff and everything landed in bed all the time – their clothes, who'd ensured his family's survival 10.00 a.m. Fee 24. Booking www.dublincity- on the floor, including his own well... and the little one doesn't talk and the fact that he was now a € Contact www.countess- biketours.com Tel: 087 134 1866 food. grandfather was due to what she did markieviczschool.ie any more." The women around turned on The woman indicated he should for a family who had nothing – no SATURDAY, APRIL 27TH EXHIBITIONS him and thumped him and called sit down at a table and she sat op- possibility of survival and he'd will- Strumpet City: A People’s History ‘Infernos of Degradation’: Dublin him the stupidest of boys. posite. ingly give up his life for her. of the 1913 Lockout Screening of the 1913. Images of Dublin in 1913 – the He was conscious he'd lost the "Can you light a fire?" she asked. The man's friends would clap him documentary James Plunkett Con- food for the family and possibly the He thought for a moment. Every- on the back, and say, "Times were science of a City; talks on Strumpet slums, tenements, and rookeries of the city docket would be taken from him surely bad then" and offer him a cig- City. History Ireland Hedge School thing around his home that could be Debate: ‘Strumpet City: Was it Really This exhibition highlights the every- and that would be the end for all of was burned – there was nothing arette and comfort him.’ Like that?’ day privations and hardships en- them. left. He nodded his head. May O'Brien is a retired SIPTU offi- dured by Dublin’s poor in the Dublin City Library & Archive, Then a hand behind his back The woman looked at him for a cial and worked in the old Liberty ‘Strumpet City’. 138-144 Pearse Street, at 11.00 a.m. pushed him into another room. A moment in silence. "Yes," she said, Hall. She was only the second woman Dublin City Library & Archive, 138-144 to 4.30 p.m. Admission free. tall, thin woman faced him looking "You need heat – a hot meal. We can to be appointed as a full-time Branch Pearse Street, Mon-Thurs: 10.00 a.m. Booking essential. Email: very stern. give you that – and replace what Secretary and in 1982 was appointed - 8.00 p.m. Fri & Sat: 10.00 a.m. -5.00 [email protected] He thought she'd take the docket Women's Affairs officer, the first such p.m., until 30th April went on the floor. Tel: 01 674 4862 and the tears ran down his cheeks. “But you need medical help too – appointment in the trade union SUNDAY, 28TH APRIL 28TH He was sure she'd send him away we can do that but it'll be early to- movement in Ireland. 22 Liberty APRIL 2013 News

HaveHave YYoYouou MMadeade TheTThe DDifference? ie f f e er enc ??e Young people’s IfIf eeveryvery hohouseholdesu hohold sspendsp ne ds an extraextra €4 oonn ggoodsoods m manufactured a n ufa utc r de workplace iinn IrelandIreland eeachach wweek,eek, itit canca ccreate rn e a t e uupp ttoo 66,000,000 nnewew jojjobsbs ini n Ireland!Ireel n da ! rights must be respected

REPRESENTATIVES from national trade union confederations, employer groups and governments debated jobs, growth and social justice at a special conference in Oslo at the ILO’s ninth regional meeting earlier this month. Youth unemployment was a principal theme of the discussions. SIPTU researcher LORAINE MULLIGAN spoke as an ICTU worker delegate highlighting the issues facing young people in the Irish labour market.

T IS imperative to en- be allowed to facilitate job displace- Support the workers of the Supporting Quality Campaign! sure young workers ment and to act as an unchecked are not exploited as a supply of free labour. More brands continue to join the campaign so please keep updated on mere source of cheap Good quality traineeships, which S SUPPORTING U P P O IR NT G “ I www.supportingquality.ie QUALITY U AQ L I T Y labour for unscrupulous em- offer worthwhile work experience, ProtectingP Qgintcteor Quality Jytliau Jobssbo in I Ireland r e l a n d ployers who wish to covertly must meet appropriate standards in or on our Facebook page PromotingPrP mo Qginto Quality Iytliau Irish ProductsPhisr stcudor reduce the terms and condi- relation to pay and conditions, dura- tions of those already in the tion, mentoring, skills development workplace. and recognition. In addition, ade- Young workers must benefit from quate monitoring systems are re- applicable collective agreements. quired. Young workers must be able to ac- LIMERICK MECHANICS INSTITUTE cess the sectoral rates of pay cover- ing activities such as contract ‘Young workers cleaning, hotels, restaurants, agricul- must not be SUMMER SCHOOL tural work and security. It is not acceptable that certain trapped in a The day commences with a wreath laying ceremony at Old Mt St Lawrence cemetery Limerick at 10.30 a.m. employers are seeking to weaken we assemble at the old church in the grave yard this system. Likewise, national min- succession 11.15 a.m. launch of the Special Edition of the Bottom Dog in the Mechanic's Institute imum wage provisions must be re- of unpaid or spected. In addition, young workers Exhibition of Historical Items Opened must have access to suitable social nominally paid 11.30 a.m. A lecture and question and answer session on the Limerick Soviet 1919 - Frank Prendergast security entitlements. The Government has a key role to traineeships...’ 12.15 p.m. A lecture and question and answer session on the book Jim Kemmy the Trade unionist by Brian Callanan play in preventing the exploitation 1.00 p.m. to 2.00 p.m. Break for Lunch of young workers by having appro- Young workers must not be 2.00 p.m. Lecture -Austerity, who bene ts? by Conor McCabe priate regulation and enforcement trapped in a succession of unpaid or Followed by viewing of the exhibition measures. nominally paid traineeships/intern- Young workers are vulnerable to ships which do not assist work/pro- depending on unsatisfactory precar- fessional progression. Events conclude at 4.30 p.m. SAT MAY 4TH 2013 ious work arrangements, for exam- If EU level employers’ organisa- ple, zero hour contracts, ad-hoc tions prove unwilling to negotiate a MECHANICS INSTITUTE temporary contracts and/or low-paid framework of adequate protections, HARTSTONGE ST, LIMERICK agency work. the European Commission must The National Employment Rights come forward with a proposal with- Authority (NERA) must be suffi- out delay. ciently resourced to prevent and ad- Scope for misusing the state-led dress abuses. Crucially, permanent national internship scheme, ‘Job- contracts must remain the norm, in- Bridge’, should be minimised cluding for young workers. through reinforced rules and compli- The use of traineeships must not ance procedures.” Liberty 23 Know Your Rights APRIL 2013 Holiday entitlement... reading the small print

By Tom O’Driscoll

ANY queries on holiday entitle- ment invariably Mcome into the Membership Information and Support Centre (MISC) at this time of year. The statutory entitlement with regard to the taking of holidays is not as benevolent as might be as- sumed. Employments with more effective trade union structures have holiday arrangements and entitlements for members which inevitably surpass those without effective union repre- sentation. This article deals with the base- line entitlements under the Organi- sation of Working Time Act. How much is an employee The leave year commences on dow allowed for taking such leave in If the matter remains unresolved How much paid leave is paid and how is this holiday April 1st but can an employee the following leave year. after using the internal grievance pro- an employee entitled to? carry over any untaken leave? cedure, then the employee may con- • Four working weeks for any pay sum calculated where pay does not vary from The employee is supposed to take When can leave be taken? sider taking a case to the Rights leave year in which he/she works at The employer determines when week to week? all leave within the leave year. If a Commissioner. least 1,365 hours; case arises where the employee leave has to be taken but he/she There is a six-month limit from the • One-third of a working week for The normal weekly sum (including could not take the leave within the must bear in mind a number of time of the breach, usually from the each month in the leave year in any regular bonus or allowance the leave year for a business reason, e.g. listed concerns i.e. the need for the end of the leave year, but there can be which he/she works at least 117 amount of which does not vary in re- where no cover was provided due to employees to reconcile work and circumstances where a breach may be hours; or lation to the work done by the em- the illness of another employee, any family responsibilities and the earlier. Further advice should be • Eight per cent of the hours that ployee but excluding any pay for then the employer can allow the em- opportunities for rest and recreation sought on this. he/she works in a year subje ct to a available to the employee. overtime) is paid in respect of the nor- ployee, with the consent of the em- An award by a Rights Commis- maximum of four working weeks. ployee, to carry over the leave for it The employer is also obliged to In a situation where more than mal weekly hours last worked by the sioner may not merely be confined to to be taken within six months of the consult with the trade union, or the compensation for the loss, as is the one of these options applies, the employee before the annual leave. following leave year. employee, at least four weeks before employee is entitled to whichever of norm with most other segments of If, on the other hand, the em- the leave is due to be taken. employment legislation, but an award these periods of leave is greater. What’s the calculation where ployee had ample opportunity to If the employee has worked more can also include a sum which may be pay varies from week to take annual leave, but chose not to, Where can an employee go classed as a deterrent against future than the eight months in a year, then there is no entitlement to carry with a complaint? then he/she is entitled to an unbro- week? transgressions by the employer. The average weekly pay (excluding over surplus days. Firstly, the matter should be dealt ken period of two weeks, subject to In some employments, either with at local level with the assistance the provisions of any collective any pay for overtime) of the em- This article is not intended to be a legal through custom and practice or col- of the union representative. In the ab- guide to the annual leave provisions under agreement, ERO or REA in place at ployee which is calculated over 13 lective agreement, there may be an sence of a union representative, the the Organisation of Working Time Act. the time. weeks immediately prior to the tak- SIPTU members should contact their local opportunity to carry over leave but member should seek direct advice representative or SIPTU MISC at 1800 ing of the leave. there is usually only a narrow win- from the union. 747881.

Education & Development Support Scheme Members in Further Education Gaeltacht Awards for Members’ Children The scheme will offer up to ten Up to twenty-five awards will be made each year for awards each year. the children of members to cover the cost of their participation (accommodation and tuition fees) in a Application forms and further Second-Level Awards for Gaeltacht course under the scheme operated information available from Members and for jointly by SIPTU and Gael Linn. Members’ Children your Sector Organiser Up to thirty awards will be made A member, applying on his/her own behalf or each year to second-level on behalf of his/her child/children, must have Closing date for receipt of students to cover the senior cycle at least one year’s membership of the Union completed applications (the two years up to the and be in benefit when both the application 30th September, 2013 Leaving Certificate). and the payments are made. (for awards 2013/2014) 24 Liberty APRIL 2013 Health & Safety Work-related diseases that kill 2m a year

By Sylvester Cronin peak. Even with improvements the verse. Materials, processes, prod- a range of work-related diseases, we can act”. All of the Occupational older/existing occupational diseases ucts, etc. should be proven safe to which clearly indicates that the Safety and Health (OSH) failures end continue to take an unacceptably humans before use or proper protec- problem of work-related health is- up costing workers, employers and WORK-RELATED diseases or heavy toll on workers’ health. tive procedures are established. sues is far greater than that of acci- taxpayers enormous amounts of occupational diseases cause There are many new work-related The International Labour Organi- dents. money. an immense amount of suf- hazards being created and/or on the sation (ILO) is an esteemed interna- Yet in Ireland there is a statutory It was estimated by Indecon in a fering and premature death horizon such as musculoskeletal dis- tional tripartite body. Its structure requirement to report accidents that 2006 report that poor OSH costs Ire- in workplaces in Ireland and orders (MSDs), which are causing gives an equal voice to workers, em- cause more than three-days absence land €3.3 billion (somewhere be- across the world. some life-lasting conditions, some- ployers and governments to ensure from normal work duties and no cor- tween 2%-4% of national income). There may be some coverage times resulting in untimely retire- that the views of the social partners responding requirement to report There is ample evidence, by way about the issue on Workers’ Memo- ments. are closely reflected in labour stan- more than three-days absence from of research nationally and interna- rial Day – 28th April each year – but There are always new and emerg- dards and in shaping policies and work as a result of work-related ill- tionally, that good OSH saves money it is virtually ignored, particularly by ing risks but, unfortunately, without programmes. ness or disease. and is good for business. those who could make a significant adequate preventative, protective The ILO recently published a re- Governments, past and present, The Government has reduced the contribution towards resolving and have stubbornly refused to make re- and control measures also being de- port entitled The Prevention of Oc- budget for the Health and Safety Au- eradicating the causes of work-re- porting of work-related illnesses and veloped. cupational Diseases. thority (HSA) for the sixth year in a lated disease, for the rest of the year. In this report, it is clearly outlined diseases mandatory. Good data is We seem to operate in a system row and this will limit its ability to I am referring specifically to politi- that basically requires a substance or that work-related deaths due to ill- absolutely essential to know what carry out preventative work, includ- cians and employers. product to be proven dangerous be- nesses and diseases are far higher problems are present in Irish work- ing inspections, thus increasing the The nature of work-related dis- fore prevention is taken seriously. than those deaths caused by acci- places, before we can even begin to eases in today’s workplaces is chang- This will be catastrophic if there is dents at work. design and implement prevention likelihood of more work-related ac- ing fast with new dangers coming to a long latency period (i.e. time lag It is estimated that 2.43 million strategies. cidents, illnesses, diseases and the fore. between exposure and ill-effect). workers die each year worldwide Simply put, as it states in the ILO deaths. That old killer, work-related dis- The system should operate in re- and, of these, 2.02 million die from report: “Where we know the risks, Reduced budgets for HSA means, ease, pneumoconiosis, is still wide- in simple terms, reductions in the spread though there have been some numbers of inspectors and inspec- positive developments such as with tions. the banning of asbestos. The Government has reduced the budget Note: I would encourage as many However, because of the sweeping workers as possible to attend the use of asbestos in the past and the for the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) Workers’ Memorial event on Sun- long latency period, people are still day, 28th April at 11:30 a.m. – 1.00 dying from exposure to it and the for the sixth year in a row p.m. in the Glasnevin Cemetery death toll has not yet reached its Museum, Dublin.

DARKNESS INTO THE LIGHT 5K EVENT 4 a.m. Saturday morning 11th May 2013 Join us for this symbolic event

20 venues nationwide

See dil.pieta.ie for more details or phone Dublin 01 6282111 or Limerick 061 484444

Liberty 25 Health APRIL 2013

PARKINSON’S DISEASE The tell-tale tremor

ARKINSON’S disease Most patients will have a tremor is a neurological disor- so this also helps make the diagno- der that mainly occurs sis. Again this is a resting tremor and in those over 60 years will become worse when the patient MIND is stressed or tired. P Varlan Horia Picture: of age. It affects about 15 per 100,000 of those in their The stiffness that patients develop YOUR fifties and this incidence in- is one-sided in the early stages of the creases to 90 per 100,000 in disease. When the doctor is checking those in their eighties. for this, he/she will test the arm movements and look especially for The disease has been highlighted rigid elbow movements called cog- HEALTH by two high-profile people who suf- wheel rigidity because it feels exactly fer from it. Mohammad Ali and Michael J Fox both suffer from the like a cogwheel. disease and have tried to increase In the early stages people with awareness and research into its Parkinson’s are often thought to be treatment and prevention. depressed because their face be- We still do not fully understand comes expressionless. what causes it. However, it is more Their voice may also become common in men and the elderly. weaker and lower in pitch. Their Having a relative with Parkinson’s swallow may also be affected and increases your own risk of develop- they may have increased drooling. ing it. Other unexplained symptoms that many patients will notice are: What causes it? • reduced smell, By ILLONA DUFFY Messages are passed within the • restless sleep, and brain by chemicals called neuro- • increased nightmares. transmitters. In Parkinson’s disease one of these chemicals, dopamine, Treatment: is reduced in a part of the brain It is advised that all patients with called the ‘substantia nigra’. This suspected Parkinson’s disease be re- affects the messages being sent the ferred to a neurologist or a consult- body’s muscles. ant specialising in medicine of the elderly. It is best that no treatment What are the symptoms? be commenced until then. Although there are many symp- The medicines used increase the toms associated with this disease levels of the neurotransmitter, the main three are; stiffness, slow- dopamine. ness and tremor. Management of the Parkinson’s Stiffness: Patients will notice that patient involves more than just med- their movements are stiffer and may icine. Physiotherapy has been shown complain of difficulty in turning in to improve mobility, improve bal- the bed or rising from a seated posi- ance and reduce falls. tion. Speech and Language therapy can As time goes on the stiffness be- improve speech and swallowing. Oc- comes more widespread causing dif- Tremor in the hands can be an cupational therapists can offer prac- ficulty with walking and simple early symptom of the condition tical aids to improve walking and activities such as writing and closing simple things such as sitting in buttons. higher chairs and using Velcro in- nesia). As mentioned above, this will Slowness: All body movement Diagnosis: stead of buttons on clothing. commonly present as a change in tends to slow down. This means that In general, investigations are done The Parkinson’s Association of Ire- gait. The patient will develop a shuf- mobility is obviously affected. This more to exclude other causes of the land offers support and advice to suf- fling walk with difficulty getting adds to the difficulty in walking and initial symptoms than to make an ac- ferers and their families and all started. They may actually bend for- rising from a seated position. tual diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. patients should join it. There is a new scan that measures ward to get started but then also Other muscles also slow down in- Although Parkinson’s disease is a dopamine levels in the brain but it have difficulty stopping. cluding those in the bowel leading progressive disorder, medication can is not routinely used before starting Another feature is that while walk- to constipation. halt the process for many years. treatment. ing they will no longer naturally Tremor: The typical tremor or Despite this, depression and de- To make a diagnosis of Parkinson’s swing their arms and have difficulty shake involves the hands and is de- mentia are common illnesses that disease the patient must have defi- turning. This all leads to an in- scribed as ‘pill rolling’ due the fact patients may develop. nitesigns of slowing down (bradyki- creased risk of falling. that it looks like the patient is For this reason, it is important that rolling something between their fin- patients are part of a specialist team gers and thumb. ‘In the early stages, people with which can monitor and treat all However, patients may also com- these problems. plain of a generalised tremor. Inter- Parkinson’s are often thought to Research is on-going and future estingly, the shake is worse when treatments may include stem cell resting but actually improves when be depressed because their face therapy whereby cells are inserted the patient uses their hands to do into the affected part of the brain re- something. becomes expressionless’ placing the damaged cells.

Illona Duffy is a GP and member of the Irish Medical Organisation 26 Liberty APRIL 2013 International

Land of contrasts: Mags was impressed “Samoud” - the resilience of the people of Gaza despite being denied by the life and colour of the Gaza Strip their basic human rights –Mags O’Brien reports on a recent visit

Quds hospital, I was told that it was bombed in the 2009 Israeli incur- sion, and intensive care patients had to be trundled on beds up the street to safety. It took the intervention of the French government to persuade Is- rael to allow in the necessary mate- rials to rebuild the hospital. Gaza: a Bashar Ahmed Murad, Director of Emergency Medical Services for the Red Crescent Society, told us that lives could have been saved during “Operation Cast Lead” [2008-2009 attack on Gaza] if they had been given medical care by the Israelis, and that the IDF would not allow Palestinian medical services in. He said: "When they were finally terrible allowed to enter on January 7, Israeli forces only gave them a three-hour ‘lull’ to work and prohibited ambu- lances into the area. They forced them to leave ambulances two kilo- meters away and enter the area on foot.” Paramedics had to pile the wounded on donkey carts and med- beauty ical workers pulled the carts to help the most people possible in the HEN I visited the the two parts of Palestine and the short time they were given. West Bank of whole population of Gaza is collec- I asked him about post-traumatic Palestine and Is- tively punished by the Israeli denial stress for paramedics and he told me rael as part of the of the right to free passage and to that understandably it was an issue, W import many essential goods. 2007 Congress delegation, I but that it was also common for the was so appalled at the con- Of course I was prepared for a population of Gaza, who lived with stant violation of the human landscape scarred by war, but what I the constant threat of shelling and rights of the Palestinian peo- saw was so much more than that. incursions. It’s only when you travel to troubled ple that I vowed to do what I met some wonderful people in areas that you realise that life goes little I could to highlight Gaza, not least the paramedics, on apace, and Gaza is full of colour their cause. Palestine was a prosperous and di- lems facing hospitals was power out- medics and relief workers, I was and life, despite the many hardships After my failed attempt on the MV verse society before the 1917 British ages. struck by the visited on it by the Israeli siege. samoud or steadfast- Saoirse in 2011, I finally got to Gaza Occupation and its aftermath. Due to a shortage of electricity ness of the people but was incredi- in January 2013, travelling across the Our hotel was near a sandy beach, The purpose of our visit was to there can be many power cuts every and it was easy to imagine a healthy bly sad leaving there, seeing a Sinai Desert and entering from meet civil society groups and at- day. Medics had to ensure that pa- terribly beautiful but damaged re- Egypt through the Raffa Crossing. tourist industry if only there was tempt to link them with similar ones tients on dialysis, life support and gion, needlessly scarred, and a pop- Gazan Palestinians have major peace. in Ireland. other essential machines were pro- ulation denied the most basic of problems obtaining permission to The land is also fertile, and if there I had a particular interest in visit- tected, and vital equipment was visit families in the West Bank, or was trade, there would be a thriving human rights, to live in peace. ing hospitals and speaking to para- often destroyed due to the outages. attend hospitals, and students can- economy, instead of one supported Congress supports the Boycott, Di- not attend universities as the border largely by relief agencies. medics, and was aided in doing so by A major problem, apart from the vestment and Sanction of Israel, crossings can close for days on end, While there, we visited a gem of a Dr Mohammed Maqua of UNRWA obvious financial one, is getting re- until it ends its apartheid treatment and most are denied permits. Greek Orthodox Church, a stunning who spoke at the 2012 SIPTU Health placements because of the siege. of the people of Palestine. Please In effect there is a wedge between museum, and a bustling, though Division Conference. It was immedi- Equipment is often unusable for join in spreading the word to ensure run-down, market, a reminder that ately apparent that one of the prob- months on end. On my visit to Al that it is sucessful. Liberty 27 International APRIL 2013

INTERVIEW Mariela Kohon Colombia is a real example of what happens when you put economic model above people By John Millington dent Santos’ official endorsement of member, meeting with Santos in the peace talks, death threats from Colombia, came out saying, ‘we sup- right-wing paramilitaries levelled at port the government in the negotia- RESIDENT Miguel congressmen involved in the discus- tions’. Morantes of the Colom- sions continue. bian trade union body “Now in any other peace process, the CTC and Adolfo if the EU Parliament came out sup- P porting one side, how is that in any Devia vice-president of the Cali municipal workers union ‘It has been a way supporting civil society or the were targeted in an at- victory for the process of building peace? tempted assassination last “MEPs tell me that they have month. [Colombian never been lobbied as a hard as they The British TUC expressed its out- government’s] PR have by the Colombian Embassy in rage at the news to the Colombian machine - the Brussels. ambassador in London, urging Bo- “So far it has been a victory for the gota to keep to its commitments on liberal media has PR machine and the so-called liberal providing safer conditions for trade not done enough media in this country has not done unionists. enough to reflect what is really going Colombia remains the most dan- to reflect what is on in Colombia.” gerous place to be a trade unionist. really going on’ But with so much interest in Latin But the latest act of violence America, particularly the close against a member of civil society in scrutiny of left-leaning governments Colombia is an all-too-familiar story And Mariela is critical of the gov- in Venezuela, Ecuador, Cuba and Bo- for award-winning human rights ernment for not taking enough pub- livia, why has Colombia not been in campaigner Mariela Kohon – the di- lic action to guarantee their safety the media spotlight? rector of Justice For Colombia (JFC). and of the EU for not applying “Colombia has been very effective Based in London, the JFC cam- enough pressure to Bogota. at presenting itself as a democracy,” paign is an NGO which has been ac- She said: “Last month, the presi- Mariela. tively campaigning to support trade dent of the European parliament “There are not military uniforms unions and other civil society organ- Martin Shultz – a social democrat at the top table. There are elections.” isations in Colombia in their strug- gle for human rights, democracy, peace and social justice since 2002. From humble beginnings, the campaign now boasts support from every major trade union in Britain, and progressive lawyers associations and has become somewhat of a thorn in the side of the government in Bogota. For many, getting the wrong side of a state that has been criticised re- peatedly by Amnesty international over its human rights record and JFC Director faced accusations of violent repres- Mariela Kohon sion, might deter you from speaking out. Not Mariela. lion hectares of land have been up a co-operative and then attacked. As we sit down to coffee, the Latin abandoned by people fleeing the “Obviously, the situation has de- UK Award winner for human rights civil war between FARC guerrillas, veloped and become more compli- campaigner of the year, explains that the government and right-wing para- cated but there is a lot of media her interest in Latin America started militaries which has raged in the propaganda surrounding the con- in the family home before becoming country for more than 40 years. flict.” more focused at university following Popular mantra places Colombia’s That media propaganda and hard a trip to the region. problems squarely at the feet of the government lobbying has meant the “I ran the Colombian society at my FARC and drug trafficking. large body of work being carried out university. My parents are both Latin But for Mariela, solving the under- by Mariela and the JFC team is being American, one Colombian and one lying structural inequality in the ignored in the mainstream press, Argentinian.” country remains key to securing namely support for Colombian civil “Colombia is a real example of long term peace. groups such as Colombians for Peace what happens when you put the She said: “The drugs issue is which is brokering a long-lasting economic model above people.” obviously a large problem. But that peace settlement in the country. The country is the third most un- only really started in the 70’s. With the help of Cuba and Nor- equal country in the Americas in “The conflict as we know it started way, peace activists in Colombia are terms of income inequality with in 1948 but there was conflict before attempting to bring together FARC women, indigenous people and that and that is more about land. and government representatives in rural communities mainly affected. “The origin of the FARC is a group a bid to stop the violence. It is estimated that around six mil- of peasant farmers attempting to set Despite current Colombian Presi- 28 Liberty APRIL 2013 Reviews Snapshots of a turbulent year

A Capital in Conflict: Dublin City and the 1913 Lockout Edited by Francis Devine. Series Editors Mary Clark and Maire Kennedy (Comhairle Cathrach Bhaile Atha Cliath Dublin City Council) €23 THIS new publication, edited the “Save the Kiddies” scheme. by labour historian Francis In a photographic chapter, Infer- We are currently remembering a decade of CITY HALL EVENTS Devine, is a series of 16 es- nos of degradation, Enda Leaney key historical moments that shaped the analyses tenement life in all its says – some by established history of Northern Ireland and Ireland a Tuesday 7th May 2013, 7.15 p.m. writers and historians and wretchedness while other essays Programme launch and The 1913 Lockout - cover support from Britain and the century ago. The period from 1912-1922 more by emerging talents – words and music by Jane Cassidy and which complement and rein- international labour movement as witnessed some dramatic changes. Now, Maurice Leyden force other studies such as well as Labour politics and the Lock- one hundred years on, we are taking time Padraig Yeates’ seminal Lock- out. Wednesday 15th May 2013, 7.15 p.m. A number of essays deal with var- to explore some of the significant events in out. Therese Moriarty It focuses on the lives of ordinary ious (and little discussed) cultural is- more detail. workers and their fami- sues and, finally, there is an Tuesday 21st May 2013, at 7.15 pm. intriguing contribution This season we’ll look at the rise of the lies during that epic John Gray; Supping at the “bitter gourd”: struggle and it is they, by Patrick Coughlan labour movement and the role of the trade (with Francis Devine) on struggles of the Belfast Labour movement who, in the words of the unions. In developing this programme we book’s back page blurb, the search for his 1913 1906 - 1932 “roots”. have worked in partnership with the trade “…shine through the Thursday 30th May 2013, at 12.30 p.m. There are excellent il- union movement in Belfast. If you would pages of this volume”. Padraig Yeates; The Dublin Lockout of 1913 - The editor’s introduc- lustrations, including a like to attend any of these events and have tion, Who dared to wear photograph of the rare A Very British Conflict “Shillito Medal” awarded additional requirements please contact us the Red Hand badge? is Thursday 6th June 2013, 7.15 p.m. an excellent and to the officers and crew in advance. thoughtful overview of the food ships sent as Stephen Royle and Agnieszka Martynowicz; which sets the scene as aid from British trade • City Hall events please contact Marie on Migration and the making of a city well as the timeline for unions. 028 9027 0663 the conflict. Each chapter/essay is Lydia Carroll and David Durnin, accessible and at, on average, 20 • Ulster hall events please contact Cathryn cover the essential aspects of hous- pages or so, can be dipped into and on 028 9033 4471 ing, public health and healthcare in easily read on a stand-alone basis. ULSTER HALL EVENTS the city while historian and writer, This is a veritable “tool-box” to aid the study of Lockout and the city, Ann Mathews (whose play Lockout Wednesday 15th May 2013 at 1.00 p.m. recently premiered) analyses the im- and an extremely valuable contribu- SATURDAY 4TH MAY 2013 Special Literary Lunchtime - Words for pact of the struggle from the stand- tion which is testament to the com- point of children and the provision mitment and scholarship of all Join the May Day Rally! the Workers involved, including the editors, con- of food aid (including that provided Saturday 18th May 2013 at 11 a.m. and by the Liberty Hall food kitchen). tributors and the Dublin City Library Keele University’s Karen Hunt also and Archive – a truly civic endeav- Thursday 13th June at 6.30 p.m. covers the role of children and our. Free tickets available for all PLACE presents The Workers’ City: Urban Walk By Michael Halpenny women, this time from the aspect of City Hall events from the Thursday 23rd May, 10.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. Belfast Welcome Centre. PLACE presents Architecture in 3 Minutes: Transport House Short Film Workshop Phone 028 9024 6609 or call into Sunday 2nd June 2013 at 10.30 a.m. the Welcome Centre at 47 Donegall (Breakfast from 10.00 a.m.) Place, Belfast. Special Breakfast Club Screening of Made in Dagenham Friday 21st June 2013 at 10.30 a.m. The McPeakes present Songs from the Mills and Factories Wednesday 3rd July 2013 at 7.30 p.m. Screening of ‘Milk’ (In association with Belfast Pride Festival 2013) Thursday 4th July 2013 at 2.00 p.m. Women and Labour in an Era of Patriarchy (1900 - 1930s) Dr Cathy Higgins Liberty 29 Obituaries APRIL 2013

OBITUARY Gladys Sheehan Her indomitable spirit was inspiring

THE death has occurred of now but her youngest son, Dara, Studios in the heyday of film mak- to her family. membered with love by her daugh- lifelong Equity member who is profoundly deaf, was still at ing. He said: “When I was a young lad ter Valerie, son Darragh, grandsons Gladys Sheehan (née Carr) of home with her. She often brought people back wanting to become an actor, David and Paul, extended family Bray, county Wicklow. Gladys was one of the first cam- down memory lane to the stu- Gladys gave me a tremendous and friends. paigners for the National Associa- dios – a stone’s throw from her foundation to start out with, like Gladys, who passed away tion for the Deaf. house in Bray – to tell stories of she did with so many other aspir- peacefully on 29th March, She fought a hard campaign to her meetings with Sean Connery, ing young people who went on to juggled family and career for get “car fanatic” Dara a haulage li- Robert Mitchum and Gabriel become professional actors and it more than four decades and cence allowing him to live a full Byrne. was great to see so many of them left a strong legacy. life as a truck driver as a result. In 2005, Gladys was honoured paying their respects at her fu- She ran a drama school for chil- Gladys' eldest son, Fintan, a cam- with Person of the Year by Bray neral. dren from a small studio at the eraman with the BBC, died tragi- Chamber of Commerce. “Gladys was a woman of great back of her house and believed cally on assignment at a young age Her indomitable spirit is an in- spirit and commitment. that it was this hands-on contact only months after the death of her spiration to anyone of us striving “A staunch member of Equity, with younger generations that kept husband, Paddy. to cope with family, career and per- she would take a front row seat her going over the years and Gladys picked herself up after sonal difficulties. every year at the AGM always the buoyed her up in times of tragedy. this double blow, which might To meet Gladys Sheehan was to willing participant to support the And despite her energetic, bub- have brought many to despair. sip the tonic of one genuine Lead- development of the craft she loved bly character Gladys has had many Apart from raising her family ing Lady. Padraig Murray, chair of so much. tragedies in her life. and running a drama school, the Irish Equity Group, expressed “She will be missed by many.” Three of her children were born Gladys also had her other life as a sadness at the passing of Gladys Gladys, beloved wife of the late with disabilities as a result of glamorous actress. Starring in 120 and on behalf of the Irish Equity Patrick, and mother of the late Fin- blood transfusions. Two are dead films, she was a regular at Ardmore Group offered sincere condolences tan, Aideen and Stella, will be re-

Thatcher leaves trail of destruction behind SHE was buried with all the lican hunger strikes in 1980 and slashing of health, education and economic vision which led to a cost of subsidising low pay pomp and ceremony of a ’81, the shoot to kill policies by unemployment budgets during her sharp deterioration in living stan- through in-work benefits, and in- monarch at the cost to the British security forces that fol- three terms as prime minister also dards for many working families difference to the plight of jobless lowed and her refusal to counte- unleashed widespread criticism. In and the unemployed across communities who have never re- British tax payer of a re- nance, at least Britain. covered from de-industrialisation. ported £10 million, a "privi- initially, any role for “Thatcher was suspicious of In particular ,the TUC General lege" not accorded to a the Irish government democracy. She preferred mar- Secretary pointed out “The finan- British Prime minister since in the administration kets, and a strong but minimal cial crash of 2008 was a direct re- of Northern Ireland. central state that backed their Winston Churchill. However, sult of the policies Thatcher Unionists recalled rule. She abolished city-wide championed. The dominance of fi- the ceremony , in all its detail their opposition to local government, capped spend- nance in the economy and the fail- ,was not one bestowed on her her endorsement of ing and expected the poll tax to ure of bank regulation flowed from by a grateful populace. Self- the Anglo-Irish further undermine alternative her belief that markets should al- regarding to the end, it was Agreement in the voices,” O’Grady said. ways be left to themselves. The mid-1980’s while “State assets and a huge in- Margaret Thatcher herself credit boom – both here and in the praising her forceful come stream from North sea oil USA – may have gone against her who "negotiated" her own fu- reaction to the occu- were used to fund a populist pro- Grantham roots but was an equally neral arrangements with the pation of the Malv- gramme of tax cuts, privatisation inevitable result of deregulation former Labour government inas Islands by the and council house sales. The fam- and the temptation of easy loans of George Brown. An expen- Argentine military ily silver was squandered on brib- for people hungry to improve liv- during the same pe- ing voters rather than ing standards,” . sive spectacle for the estab- riod. modernising the economy. To borrow the words of Michelle lishment and yet another In Britain, her “The 70s was Britain's most Obama , it is moments like this death also provoked equal decade. The jobs that went burden for the working tax- that reveal who we are. Thus, else- payer. Little could have been mixed reaction with during the 80s tended to be good, lavish tributes paid skilled jobs, delivering decent in- where in the media, the right wing more telling to mark her to the former leader comes and some security. She " Economist" in its leader column, legacy. by her own party and failed to replace those jobs with hailed Thatcher as a "Freedom Thatcher, who served as British the establishment well-paid equivalents. Demonis- Fighter" and said "What the world prime minister from 1979 to 1990, generally and scorn ing unions and stripping the needs now is more Thatcherism!" provoked almost as much division and vitriol poured on great mass of private-sector work- On the other hand , at the more ra- in her death as she did over her her by many in the ers of a voice and power in the tional end of the spectrum, the left many years as the most influential working class, mining and other the House of Commons, former workplace is still the root of the of centre economist , Will Hutton Conservative Party leader in communities that suffered under actor and MP, Glenda Jackson, great living standards crisis that asked the killer question on her decades. In Ireland, it brought back her policies. Her imposition of the spoke eloquently (link below) of saw the share of wealth going to legacy. Writing in the British news- memories of her role in exacerbat- poll tax backed up by brutal police her callous social policies while wages slide long before Lehman paper , the "Observer" ,he asked "If ing the conflict in the North fol- enforcement, her war crime role in Frances O’Grady ,General secretary Brothers failed. her (Thatcher's ) revolution had lowing her disastrous, and the sinking of the Belgrano during of the TUC in Briatain,wrote of the “Even the nasty politics of "wel- truly saved us, why is Britain in inhumane, response to the repub- the Malvinas conflict and her ultimate failure of her neo-liberal fare reform" is driven by the high such a mess today?" Why indeed? 30 Liberty APRIL 2013 Sport

Shamrock Rovers’ Karl Sheppard on the ball during the Setanta Cup semi final first leg against Cork City Pictures: GMK Photography Stunning Sligo rockets to top while Shamrocks draw breath By Brendan O’Brien similarly to the Candystripes and up just one point each in their open- Shamrock Rovers midfielder will be expecting at least to bag a Eu- ing eight games. Unless both can Ronan Finn in action against Bray ropean spot this year, while they are quickly start catching up with the Wanderers at Tallaght Stadium Pictures: GMK Photography E’RE now coming still well in the title race as well. rest, we’ll be set for perhaps the ear- towards the con- Shamrock Rovers, in the mean- liest ever commencement of the rel- clusion of the time, have become the draw special- egation battle in the Division. first round of ists with six ties to go with their two Meanwhile, we’re into the semi- W wins to date. final stage of the Setanta Sports Cup matches in the Airtricity league and things are shaping While the fans are reasonably where Sligo Rovers, Drogheda up very interestingly indeed. happy with progress to date, they United, Cork City and Shamrock Sligo have exceeded everyone’s want more points on the board to Rovers are all competing for Irish do- expectations with a perfect eight give Sligo the title challenge they ex- mestic soccer’s ‘All Ireland’ crown. league wins in a row to rocket to the pect this season. After the first legs, Drogheda top of the table. Stephen Kenny’s Dundalk side are travel to Sligo with a two-goal lead, Manager, Ian Barraclough, has un- vying with Rovers and challenging while Cork City host the Hoops at covered a new star in striker An- for a European spot. Turners Cross with a slim lead by thony Elding who has been in At the other end of the table, the virtue of the away goals rule after se- terrific goal-scoring form. surprise slow starters have been curing a 1-1 draw at Tallaght Sta- Derry City have also got off to a Shelbourne and UCD, who’ve racked dium. great start winning six and drawing one to place them five points behind MOBILES APPEAL TO FUND DEFIBRILLATOR Sligo Rovers. GEORGE Holden, chair of the Scoil Bhrid martial arts club Declan Devine’s men are defi- union’s South Dublin County in Kill, county Kildare. If nitely continuing the strong form Council Section Committee is you’d like to help with this shown late last season and will no seeking assistance in collecting very worthy cause, please doubt be there or thereabouts at the 300 old mobile phones towards contact George at 087 991 business end of the season. purchasing a defibrillator for the 0948. St Patrick’s Athletic have started Liberty 31 Liberty Crossword APRIL 2013

Prize draw to win two nights for two people in one Liberty Crossword of Ireland’s Fair

1 2 3 4455 6 7ACROSS Indian city (6) 1DOWN Family member Hotels. 7 8 8 Member of audience (4) interrupts (6) 2 Breed of beef 9 10 9 Wish receiver (4) cattle (8,5) 10 Protected, in a 3 A disagreement *Correctly fill in the crossword way (8) (7) 11 121211 13 to reveal the hidden word, 11 Token (7) 4 Immunisations (5) contained by reading the letters in 14 13 Kind of duty (5) 5 Norwegians, the shaded squares from top to 15 16 15 Small songbirds Swedes, Finns and bottom. Email the hidden word to [email protected] 17 (5) Danes (13) or post to Communications Dept., 16 Baked Italian dish 6 North African 18 19 20 Liberty Hall, Dublin1 along with (7) nationality (8) your name and address and you 18 Caribbean island 12 Found in the ear will to be entered into a prize draw 21 22 (8) (8) to win two nights for two people 19 Middle Eastern 14 Found in a tool in one of Ireland’s Fair Hotels. country (4) box (7) The winner of the crossword quiz 21 Waylay (6) 17 US State (5) will be published in the next issue 22 Historical records 20 Fully fit (4) of Liberty. *Terms and conditions apply. (6) March crossword winner was: Seán O’Shea, Killorglin, Co. Kerry

Save Ireland's Forests A Walk in the Woods Avondale House & Forest Park, Rathdrum. Meet Sunday 28 April 1.00pm at Car Park Paddy Casey, Sinead Cusack, Jeremy Irons, With songs, poems and readings by: & others Dave Lordan, Christy Moore, Brid Ní Neachtain, Ouroboros Theatre [email protected] Co Natural Resources Protection Alliance & The Woodland League www.woodlandleague.org Organised by facebook ‘Walk in the Woods’ event twitter @ProtectResource