2 The Left Tribune NEWS NEWS The Left Tribune 2 IUSY Adopt Coke Empowering Women to Choose: Pro-Choice Meeting Looks to the Future Jane Horgan-Jones ers followed by a question and answer ses- Boycott Campaign sion. Held concurrently, the workshops dealt Volume II, Issue 5 Over 70 pro choice activists from all political with the class analysis of the abortion issue, Dermot Looney International delegates backgrounds and none gathered on direct action and outreach campaigning. The February 2007 vote to support Boycott Saturday 27th January in the Central Hotel three workshops were facilitated by Aileen The International Union of Socialist Youth Killer Coke Campaign on Exchequer St. to discuss the Irish pro O’Connell (WSM), Aoife Cooke (RAG Left Tribune is the magazine of choice campaign and strategise for the Collective) and Ailbhe Smyth (WERRC, UCD), Labour Youth in . We operate (IUSY) has adopted a policy to support the boycott of Coca-Cola in a huge fillup for the future. The event was hosted by Labour with (Reid Professor of Law, TCD) on the basis of a sustainable and Youth and was designed to come up with acting as the overall chair. democratic socialist ethos. global campaign for human rights in Colombia. During the historic IUSY World practical, workable suggestions and initia- Following the conclusion of the tives that the left can unite around in order to three working groups, the meeting reassem- As such, Left Tribune is printed on Council, held in from February 1st - 3rd, delegates approved the motion from further the campaign. bled in order to hear feedback and collate the paper which is 50% recycled and With this aspiration in mind, the suggestions from the groups into a coherent LY activists leaflet 50% from sustainable forests. If you Labour Youth, Ireland to lend their support to the growing campaign. day saw a programme of workshops and plan. In what was an extremely productive outside the GPO to are finished reading, we would ask advertise the event IUSY represents almost 150 facilitators, instead of the more common for- session, a number of action points were that you pass this issue on to some- individuals in maintaining and spreading the mat used by public meetings involving speak- decided upon that activists were delegated one else - or recycle it. youth sections of labour, socialist and social boycott. across the water for abortions. A further democratic parties all over the world and is Ivana Bacik to coordinate in the coming months. These date was also set for another planning meet- Speaking after the resolution was included a campaign targeting various All articles are copyleft - this means the largest youth political organisation in the passed, Labour Youth Chair addresses the ing to arrange these and other initiatives meeting “rogue crisis pregnancy agencies” which that we encourage the sharing of world. Founded 100 years ago, it held its said, “the resolution sends a clear message decided upon on the day, and over €200 first ever Irish-based event in the UCC cam- operate in Ireland and provide extremely raised in donations to get the ball rolling. these articles and anyone is free to to Coca-Cola that this campaign is going directive counselling, refusing to advise reproduce them. However we would pus in Cork with an active involvement by from strength to strength. Their crimes in The level of interest in pro choice many members of Labour Youth, Ireland. women of all the options available to them in issues evident in the numbers in attendance ask that in the interests of those who Colombia are indicative of the exploitation a crisis pregnancy situation. took their time to write and edit this Comrades from parties as diverse and aggression shown by multinational cor- shows that the lack of abortion facilities in as the Armenian Revolutionary Youth In addition, it was agreed that pro Ireland is an issue which needs to be publication, that you would contact us porations towards people in the developing choice groups on campuses across the at the details below to let us know if Federation, the Mexican Juventud world.” addressed, and that the political will is there Demócrata PRD, the Fatah Youth from country should be set up, and that links to address it. To get involved in the campaign you are doing so. “It is our duty to hold these compa- should be made with womens groups in the Palestine, the All Burma Students League nies to account and to campaign for justice and be added to the mailing list for details of and Australian Young Labour took part in UK who are interested in setting up “wel- future activities, email [email protected] or We welcome articles and comments and the rule of law. Their can be no hiding come committees” for women travelling from all readers to the event, themed “People in Movement.” place or excuses for companies who exploit, [email protected] [email protected] The Council was addressed by intimidate and degrade their employees in IUSY President Fikile Mbabula of the ANC any part of the world.” The opinions expressed in Left Youth League in South Africa, and for the Tribune are those of its contributors first time by IUSY Secretary General Yvonne Further info & contact details: Page 14 Labour Youth News Round-Up and are not necessarily the policies or O’Callaghan from Ireland. The World Council views of Labour Youth or the Labour dealt with issues such as the Middle East Conor Tannam Free the Miami 5 Labour Youth Says “Members peace process and global migration. Party. Labour Youth activsts are urged to Will Have Say” on Coalition The resolution on Coca-Cola was Contents sign a petition available at Labour Youth has countered proposed by Enda Duffy, the Irish Labour del- NEWS SECTION Boost for Same Sex Marriage www.labouryouth.ie in support of the ‘Miami recent press speculation regarding the egate, with the active support of our 5’ - Cuban prisoners who have been incarcer- Editorial Staff 1: IUSY Adopt Coca-Cola Boycott Campaign with Launch of party's coalition future, pointing out their Colombian comrades in the Joventud ated since 2001 in a U.S. jail. The men are 2: Pro-Choice Campaign Grows; opposition to any junior status in government Partido Liberal Colombiano (Liberal Party Labour Civil Unions Bill currently being held under false espionage Editor: Dermot Looney (LY Youth). News Round-Up as mandated by successive Youth The has launched a charges. The 5 were falsely accused by the Communications Officer) The campaign to boycott Coca Conferences. LY noted that the party mem- 3-4: Michael D Higgins Interview bill that proposes equal rights for same sex U.S. government of committing espionage Cola began in Ireland in 2003 following a bership - as opposed to the leadership - 5: Branch Reports & Editorial couples. This bill is the first bill of its kind conspiracy against the United States, and Deputy Editor: Jane Horgan-Jones call from the Colombian SINAL- would be making any decision once the elec- FEATURES since the inception of the state. If passed this other related charges. But they have argued TRAINAL, whose members were subject to tion results are known. Labour Youth has legislation will provide all the legal rights and in their defense that they were involved in News Editor: Conor Tannam a vicious anti-union campaign of intimidation, 6: Disability and Social Exclusion opposed the ‘Mullingar Accord’ strategy responsibilities that are afforded to couples monitoring the actions of Miami-based ter- torture and even murder by paramilitaries 7-8: Labour’s General Election since it was announced in 2005. that are married to same sex partners. rorist groups in order to prevent terrorist Design & Layout: Andrew Payne supported by the Coca-Cola bottling plants. Chair Patrick Nulty remarked, Candidates by Constituency: Part 2 Included in the bill are new regulations attacks on their country of Cuba. Students in UCD, NCAD and Trinity "Labour Youth has been consistent for some 9: Political Poker regarding adoption. The men never directed any Contributors: Louise Caffrey, Paul College have all voted to prohibit the sale of years now in saying that Ireland does not 10: In Theory: Neoliberalism and the If passed by the , this actions against the US government nor did Dillon, Joanne Doherty, Enda Duffy, Coca Cola in shops owned by their student merely need an alternative government - it piece of law would be a hugely progressive they possess any weapons whilst in the coun- Christina McSorley, Karen O’Connell, unions, leading to a massive worldwide cam- Dimunition of Democracy also needs to develop a realignment of poli- step towards realising full equality between try. Family members and supporters have Donal O Liathain paign which incorporates boycotts in over a 11-12: The Great Debate: Should tics.” Bearing in mind that LY has over 1000 same sex and opposite sex unions. Under the been denied access to the prisoners, who hundred universities. Trinity students will be members nationwide it is fallacy of the media Labour Co-operate More Closely constitution a referendum would be required are also refused letters of solidarity from With thanks to: Cian O'Callaghan and asked to renew this boycott for the third and political commentators that a Labour with Sinn Fein? to deliver full same sex marriage. The pro- writers such as Noam Chomsky and José the National Youth Executive time at the end of February and are confi- coalition with or Fianna Fáil is the LEFT BACK posals have the support of Labour Youth, Saramago demanding that the men be dent that the boycott will again be upheld. inevitable result of the election. Labour Youth Labour Equality and Labour LGBT, all of released. Labour Youth are also campaign- Printed by: Grehan Print, Brunswick Labour Youth has been to the 13: Bernie Sanders: Socialist in the will have a strong voice when the votes are whom have been active in the campaign for ing to end the US-led blockade of Cuba, as House, Dublin 2 forefront of the campaign in Ireland and con- US Senate counted and it is imperative that our policies same sex marriage. reported in the last issue of Left Tribune . tinue to work with progressive groups and 14: David Ervine Remembered and activism promote Labour to the fullest. INTERVIEW The Left Tribune 4

for discussing politics." "There has also been a concentra- tion of ownership and a tabloidisation of media; this is true not only of print media but also of radio and television. There is a profound ten- dency against democracy in that.” These comments are particularly apt for those involved in campaigns that have found themselves the victims of targeted media bias; most notably the Shell to Sea cam- paign and solidarity with the Afghan hunger strikers in St. Patrick's Cathedral in May 2006. The particularly evocative case of the latter brought to light many inadequacies and injustices fundamentally embedded in the Irish immigration and asylum systems. Perhaps most demonstrative of these shortcomings are the many personal stories that emerge from within the layers of bureaucracy that make up the process. 5 Things you might not know about Michael D... "Youngsters in St. Pat's and others 1. Former PD leader Des O’Malley once said that Michael D “would go mad” if he ever got into government. 10 years later, Michael D’s response as Minister for Arts, Culture & the Gaeltacht was “if this is madness, let us have more of it!” may be attending school, but then their reward for studying hard and getting their Leaving Cert 2. He has released three poetry collections; The Betrayal, The Season of Fire and An Arid Season. is that they are now eligible for deportation. This is a scandalous, appalling burden to carry." 3. He is President and a Director of United Football Club, working with‘Rogue Trader’ Nick Leeson - the club’s Michael D: "We need a clearer system in place; General Manager - in a club which has recently been nominated to the new League of Ireland Premiership. issues of migration should be moved away 4. A quote from his speech to the Party Conference in Tralee in 2005 - “Proud to be Left, Proud to be Labour” has from the Department of Justice. A department become a de facto motto for Labour Youth. As well as popping up regularly in speeches at youth events, the line deal-ing with security is clearly not the best appears on the new banner of the UCD Upton-O’Riordan branch and is used in the masthead for Left Tribune. department to be handling issues regarding migrants and refugees. The absence of flexibili- 5. He has made documentaries on Noël Browne, the island of Montserrat & the 1992 ‘Earth Summit’ in Rio. ty is appalling, and there is a very strong case undisciplined and unaccountable. On occasions The Palestinian issue is about dispossession to be made for eliminating backlog by allowing they have been provoked, but on many more and occupation, and severe breaches of Labour’s Inspiration human rights that have been completely tram- anyone who has been waiting for a decision for occasions, including the time I was in Rossport, 38 years since he first stood for election, Labour Party President Michael D Higgins faces into his 13th more than a certain amount of time to stay. the Gardaí's attitude has been provocative, pled on by the Wall. The EU needs to sponsor a conference in the region; there you can deal successive campaign in Galway West in a mood as passionate & defiant as ever. He spoke to Jane The whole system is quite immoral and wrong." unhelpful and unaccountable." Similarly, the Shell to Sea campaign Undoubtedly, though, Michael D is with the nuclear issue too." Horgan-Jones & Karen O’Connell on his many causes for concern, from Shell in Mayo to the war in Iraq. has been the sustained target of media lies best known for his longstanding opposition to Amid the media frenzy and specula- tion about Labour’s possible coalition options, It might be raining and it might be cold, manifested itself in the publication of a new col- their policies and they had complained us to and fabrications for almost the entirety of its the war in Iraq, and to the use of Shannon air- Michael D offered some clear and coherent And the bishop’s gone and left the fold, lection of essays, poems and diary entries enti- the head office for being less than respectful of existence. However, Michael D was clear and port as a stopover point for US military on their positions on Labour's policies for government. But we're standing proud tled Causes for Concern: Irish Politics, Culture senior and eminent spokespersons. Has any- unambiguous when asked about his views of way to the Middle East. He noted his strong "We need to maximise electoral sup- and we're walking tall, and Society, which he sees as being an impor- thing changed?" he winks. the campaign and his ideas for how best it can support for Motion 119 from the last full port for our own policies. We will not negotiate We’ve got Michael D tant contribution to consciousness in today's The realisation that the Labour Party progress. Labour Party Conference in 2005, proposed on our principles - we have bedrock values. For rockin’ in the Dáil for us, society. "It is quite philosophical, it makes a was his true calling came after hearing Noël "It is a great pity that 's by Labour Youth, which called for the removal example, there will NOT be private hospitals on Michael D rockin’ in the Dáil! case for being aware, and being critically Browne speak in Manchester in 1968. A year proposals in the 70's which would have allowed of US military from Shannon. public hospital grounds with Labour in govern- -The Saw Doctors aware, and then moving from critical aware- later he was a Labour candidate for election in for a right of participation in ownership for the “The US administration is impaled ment. We will have an ethical foreign policy rat- ness to action." Galway West, eventually winning a seat in state and a right to take royalties were not ified by international agreement. There will be a Michael D Higgins. TD. President of the Labour The book has proven immediately 1981 and retaining it ever since, with a brief adopted. The fiscal licensing terms were then on the hook of unconditional vindication of workers rights, and nothing will Party. Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs. successful in the mainstream book charts, interruption between November 1982 and changed by Ray Burke in deeply suspicious cir- support for Israel” come at the cost of civil rights." Former Mayor of Galway, Minister for Arts, achieving unusual success for a political publi- 1987. cumstances, and later changed again by other Looking to the future of the party and Culture, and the Gaeltacht, Honorary Adjunct cation. Although containing only two or three Fianna Fáil ministers. Then Shell arrived, assist- "Labour Youth's proposal was per- Irish politics in general, Michael D was ebullient Professor at Large in Political Science and pieces from each decade, the depth and com- “The media is very nearly a ed in no small part by ." fectly correct, it was the only one, and it was in his praise for Labour Youth and the bottom- Sociology in NUIG and probably the only Irish plexities of the issues explored in the book have monopoly, and far worse than it "There is no doubt that Fianna Fáil that military were arriving in Shannon as part up activism that has defined it in recent years. politician to ever have had a rock song written also evoked substantial anticipation for an hands are very dirty on this issue, and that the of an illegal war outside of international law. was in the 60's and 70's” "The levels of youth activism, and the about him. eventual biographical work from Michael D. Taoiseach is behaving with cowardice… You cannot accept diplomatic assurances that radicalism, courage and energy of Labour In these and other diverse capaci- Michael D's political career has been He attributes what he notes is a Intervention is surely needed. I feel sorry for the you are complying with international law." Youth in particular are to be welcomed. The ties, Michael D. has been recognised as one of colourful, diverse, sometimes controversial, huge change in the political climate over the people of Rossport. This has all been dumped "I believe Shannon should not be challenge for Labour Youth lies in building a left the foremost champions of human rights, and has surprising origins. In his early days as years in no small part to negative develop- in on top of them, and it is very wrong for [the available for CIA flights… Any use of any of our economy and society and to fight against the socialist politics and political activism in the an undergraduate in NUIG, Higgins was Chair ments in the media. media and government] to present their cam- airports should be under the clear acceptance rise in managerial philosophies." Irish public sphere for three decades and of the university Cumann of Fianna Fáil. The "Some developments in communica- paign as a front for other people." of our obligations under the UN charter and Approaching what may be his last more. It's little surprise too that he has firmly young Michael D. had a view that he could influ- tion, for example the Internet, have moved in Going forward, Michael D. suggested should be within the obligations of international candidacy for Dáil Eireann, Michael D. has established himself as a kind of spiritual leader ence Fianna Fáil and "push it in a left direction". favour of faster and easier communication, but the internationalisation of the campaign to law and justice. This rules out the use of any of clearly retained the strength, drive and integri- for a Labour Youth which has adopted a cam- However, despite his best efforts, he remem- others have become negatives in general focus on the state-owned company Statoil in our airports for such military purposes and ty that characterised his political career from paigning approach on so many of the issues bers that his substantial efforts were eventual- media area. The media is very nearly a monop- Norway, pointing out that when a delegation pieces of adventurism as we have seen." the moment it began, and remains a source of close to his heart. ly thwarted by the Fianna Fáil leadership. oly, and far worse than it was in the 60's and from Rossport visited the country, "the party This illegal occupation in Iraq also constant inspiration for those of us committed Michael D's unrelenting quest for "Our Cumann was regarded as being 70's. As a result, the quality of political writing that is now in government supported them." draws a comparison with the support given to to the socialist cause, to campaigning activism equality and justice has taken many forms over unruly, and was about to be disciplined. We had in the media hasn't improved at all, and there Michael D. was also critical and con- Israel from the US in aid of their occupation of and to human rights in the world today. the years. Most recently, this activism has been asking spokespersons to come and tell us has been a constriction of the space available cerned about elements of Garda treatment at Palestine. "The US administration is impaled on the protests in Bellanaboy. "Gardaí have been the hook of unconditional support for Israel. 5 The Left Tribune NEWS FEATURES The Left Tribune 6 Editorial: Between a Rock & a Hard Place Like it or not, it seems to be a requirement of mentary party meetings. Nevertheless, the Party that the media focus is on personalities Excluded and Ignored: How Ireland the Labour Party - above all other parties - to fairly stagnant position of both "alternative and the numbers game, rather than issue- answer questions on its coalition prospects coalition" parties in the polls have prompted based politics and policies. Nevertheless, the in the run up to any general election. Sadly, a rethink in strategy, with considerable med- strategy embarked on by the leadership has discriminates against our disabled issues of short-term arithmetic have domi- dling from media sources and supposed played into that agenda and it is increasingly nated political discourse in recent weeks internal squabbles prompting considerable doubtful that Labour will be able to set the when the agenda could have been set by the speculation towards a coalition with Fianna agenda in the campaign ahead, no matter Labour's long-term vision for society itself. Fáil should the numbers require it. how solid our policies. The great dichotomy manifests itself in the There is a case to be made that Perhaps Labour's best hope is narrowest possible terms - Fianna Fáil or such an approach will help "keep Labour rel- embarking on a more independent approach Fine Gael - rather than in far more fundamen- evant" in the election campaign - although which focuses on the established ground - tal questions; left or right, public or private, such an approach was far from successful in public services, social justice and neutrality - greed or care. 2002. Whatever the reasons, the Party which parties such as the Greens & Sinn Féin What is at least as depressing as Leader and management have adopted a have managed to attack with some success. the narrow and largely vacuous commentary "FG where possible, FF where necessary" Regardless, Labour's position in on Labour's post-election options is the dull strategy. The term "national interest," seem- Irish politics is increasingly squeezed by the predictability of it all. Much of it was outlined ingly coined by the in an jagged rock of Fianna Fáil and the barren in Labour Youth's document on electoral interview with , has been utilised hard place of Fine Gael. Only a Labour Party People with disabilities are being excluded from Irish society because of the lack of enforcement of cur- strategy, entitled "Towards an Alternative to great effect by a number of parties to with the requisite confidence and boldness in rent equality legislation and the lack of political will to challenge the discrimination that they experience Politics," which was released prior to the ward away the Sinn Féin bogeyman. our ideals to stand against Civil War parties Tralee Conference in 2005. Nevertheless, it is likely that a almost 100 years on will replace them. almost every day, writes Joanne Doherty Those who are enacting the strate- majority of the members of the Labour Party Dermot Looney, Editor For a long time in Ireland, students with spe- pared to people without disabilities. The trained in sign language. The Equal Status gy voted for at that Conference have certain- - the people who will ultimately decide - will cial needs had to attend special schools. The Employment Equality Act 1998 was the first Acts 2000 and 2004 state that service ly taken the commitment to Fine Gael seri- reject any attempts to coalesce with Fianna 1998 Education Act finally legislated for the time that employees and job seekers with a providers must reasonably accommodate a ously, going so far as to release large num- Fáil after the election, believing the national inclusion of children with special needs into disability had the right not to be discriminat- person with a disability by providing special bers of joint policy documents - some good, interest is not served by 5 more years of FF- mainstream schools. Unfortunately the sup- ed against. However, the protection of pri- treatment or facilities at less than nominal some not so good - and to parade the FG dominated government. port services in place to meet these needs vate property clause within the Constitution cost. Service providers often do not carry out leader on the party website and at parlia- It is not the fault of the Labour are inadequate or simply do not exist. A sub- has watered down the responsibility employ- these obligations because of the costs stantial proportion of primary school pupils ers should have towards an employee with a involved or the lack of awareness of or enti- with special needs are not getting any sup- disability. The Act requires that an employer tlement to grants. Part M of the Building port at all. Some schools will not enrol a child do all that is reasonable to accommodate Regulations requires that all new public build- Labour Youth Branch Reports with special needs until resources are provid- the needs of a person who has a disability by ings must be accessible to people with dis- ed from the Department of Education. abilities. There has been a lack of enforce- Dillon, President of UCD SU at the time of the Trinity College / David Thornley However, the Department will not give extra A school can only commission a ment of this and very few sanctions imposed. boycott there, helped to launch the campaign Branch (trinitylabour.bebo.com) resources to a school until a child with spe- The Acts that have been men- at the start of February. Activists are confi- maximum of 2 psychological cial needs enrols in that school. The National tioned above have highlighted the right peo- Trinity College is predicting a busy year with dent that the boycott will again be retained. Educational Psychological Services identify assessments for every 100 stu- ple with disabilities have not to be discrimi- the Coca-Cola issue once again coming to Preparations are currently under children who may have particular needs. dents on the school roll nated against within the education system, the forefront of our student politics. The third way for Trinity Labour's Socialist week. The However schools can only commission a when applying for a job, within the workplace, referendum in four years on the boycott is aim is to explore a variety of issues that arise maximum of 2 psychological assessments providing special treatment or facilities at and when accessing buildings. But the small set to take place at the end of February. A from within a socialist reality. It is hoped that for every 100 students on the school role. less than nominal cost. The meaning of the number of cases being brought to the successful public meeting with Kevin Keating this event will take place in March. The only other way of being assessed is by term 'nominal cost' is unclear, allowing for Equality Authority with regard these discrimi- of SIPTU and Labour Youth activist Paul Christina McSorley (Chair) going to a psychologist privately, meaning many employers to overlook the needs of nations and the under-representation of peo- UCD / Upton-O’Riordan Branch Travellers Rights in the context of the UCD to be followed by a picket of the US children who do not have the means to afford employees or choose not to employ a person ple with disabilities within the education sys- (ucdlabour.bebo.com) Padraig Nally trial with Martin Collins of embassy. this are further disadvantaged. Barriers also with a disability because of the unknown tem and in employment suggests that these Pavee Point. A further campaign will take place exist in the physical accessibility of schools "costs" involved. Only a small number of acts are having only a small effect in ending The branch kicked off the new semester by Future plans include talks on the on Disability Access in UCD, including a pub- and third level institutions. cases have been brought to the Equality discrimination and in creating accessibility. laying down some plans for a series of public Beech Hill and a number campaigns during lic meeting and a campaign calling for better People with physical disabilities are Authority on this ground of discrimination. These Acts also have the effect of individual- meetings to be held in the coming year. The the year, including Stop the US blockade of facilities to be made available for individuals denied access to public transport. Not all The time and the costs involved in pursuing a ising discrimination because of the require- first of these was a successful meeting on Cuba. This will take the form of a campaign in with special needs in the College. Dublin buses are wheelchair accessible. case are undoubtedly preventing people ment that individuals themselves bring for- It is also hoped that an event cele- Rush hour trains are above passenger from bringing forward cases of discrimina- ward cases of discrimination, instead of high- brating the 30th anniversary of the Labour capacity, meaning that there is no space for tion. lighting that discrimination against people Youth branch in UCD will be held, featuring wheelchair users. Elevators at train stations People with disabilities are often with disabilities is a systematic part of the speakers from each decade. The new branch are often out of order. Train stations usually denied the right to socialise. Cinemas, shops, environment. In order for these acts to have banner on the left will also be launched. need prior notification if a wheelchair user restaurants and pubs are generally not any substantial effect, there needs to be Meanwhile, many branch mem- will use the service. Buses and trains most wheelchair accessible. Even if a cinema is inspections of public buildings, workplaces, bers remain actively involved in the Shell to often do not have speakers to indicate the wheelchair accessible, you have to sit at the the transport system and the education sys- Sea campaign on campus and will be travel- various stops, which can be very problematic very front, directly at the screen. Shop aisles tem, rather than placing full responsibility on ling to Rossport for the Solidarity Day on the for people with visual impairments, or signs are often too narrow for wheelchairs, individuals. Ultimately political will is needed 16th of February. indicating the various stops, which can cause shelves and counters are not reachable, to end the blatant inequalities experienced by Karen O’Connell (Equality Officer) difficulties for people with hearing impair- prices are not displayed in Braille, changing people with disabilities. This issue needs to To include your own branch or con- ments. Private transport such as taxis and rooms are not accessible. Most restaurants be put on the political agenda and on our stituency news in future issues of cars is often relied upon, which can be very and pubs are not wheelchair accessible - agenda in Labour Youth as part of our over- expensive. there are often steps into and within the all struggle for equality, justice and inclusion. Left Tribune, just email People with disabilities in Ireland building, no accessible toilets, stairs but no [email protected] are half as likely to be in employment com- lift. Menus are rarely in Braille. Staff are not 7 The Left Tribune The Left Tribune 8 General Election ‘07: Labour’s Candidates With a general election just a few months away, Labour is standing up to 50 candidates in every one of the 43 constituencies around the 1 Cork East country - the first time we have contested every constituency since 1969. Having previously looked at candidates in Dublin and the North Ireland South No of seats: 4 - Currently 2 FF, 1 FG, 1 LAB West, he now profiles Labour’s candidates in the Ireland East and South election regions. In the last three decades the left has built a Current TD: (retiring). Candidates: Cllr John Mulvihill, Cllr Seán Sherlock considerable presence across Munster Having first been elected for Sinn Féin - The Workers' Party in 1981, and later its further Ireland East (All of Leinster minus Dublin) through Labour, the Workers' incarnations up to the Labour Party, Joe Sherlock is now stepping down with two strong candidates lining up to replace him - his son, Cllr Seán Sherlock, and Cllr John Mulvihill. The politics textbooks will tell you that Labour's strongest vote throughout history has not been in Dublin, but in the other counties of Leinster - coun- Party/Democratic Left and the Democratic Socialist Party, but this has been partly erod- Seán has a strong base in his father's former heartland of Mallow, whereas John will be ties such as Wicklow and Wexford have almost always had a Labour presence in the Dáil. The 13 candidates in these 10 constituencies will be hop- looking to build on his Midleton-based local vote. Interestingly, Mulvihill got more first pref- ing to increase Labour's tally of 6 seats in this area. ed in recent years. There are 12 constituen- cies in this area, with 5 sitting TD's and 12 erences than Sherlock the last time out, but it the latter was elected on transfers. Meath East Louth candidates already selected. 2 Cork North Central New constituency - formerly part of Meath. No of seats: 3 No of seats: 4 - Currently 2 FF, 1 FG, 1 SF No of seats: 4 - Currently 3 FF, 1 FG, 1 LAB No current Labour TD. Candidate: Cllr No current Labour TD. Candidate: Cllr 12 Waterford Current TD and candidate: Kathleen Lynch The splitting of the 5-seat Meath constituency into two 3-seaters is generally seen A former Labour stronghold, Michael Bell held a seat here from No of seats: 5 - Currently 2 FF, 1 FG, 1 LAB The dropping of a seat here may put pressure on Labour's Kathleen Lynch, a former DL to be of electoral benefit to Labour. In the 2005 by-election in Meath, Dominic 1982 to 2002. 31-year old Ged Nash has a job on his hands in win- Current TD and candidate: Brian O’Shea representative who famously won a by-election here in 1994. Sinn Féin are promoting Hannigan polled very well in his base in the eastern part of the county. Elected as ning back the seat here from a strong FG attempt to gain a second Brian O’Shea first stood in 1982 and was their candidate strongly here but the pundits seem to be suggesting similar personnel an Independent councillor in the 2002 locals, Hannigan is one of the most high- seat. However, having topped the poll by a considerable margin in the first elected in 1989, holding his seat since this time round, with FF taking the drop of one seat. profile new Labour candidates & will face stiff opposition in trying to reclaim a 2004 elections with the highest ever first preference vote recorded then. He is currently Labour’s spokesperson Labour seat once held by now-Independent Brian Fitzgerald. in his electoral area, Ged will be in with a shout of becoming one of on Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, 3 Cork North West Labour's youngest TD in the next Dáil. Meath West and despite a strong showing by SF and a No of seats: 3 - Currently 2 FF, 1 FG No current Labour TD. Candidate: Cllr Martin Coughlan New constituency - formerly part of Meath. No of seats: 3 resurgence from the Workers’ Party, should Carlow- Hardly a Labour heartland, Martin Coughlan nonetheless polled a respectable vote here in No current Labour TD. Candidate: Cllr Brian Collins retain the seat. No of seats: 5 - Currently 3 FF, 1 FG, 1 LAB 2002 and won both town and county council seats for the Macroom area in the 2004 33-year old Brian Collins remains a familiar face to many Labour Youth activists, Current TD: Seamus Pattison (retiring). Candidates: Cllr Michael elections. With just six candidates declared - 3 FF and 2 FG, as well as Martin - it is likely having co-ordinated the Tom Johnson Summer School for many years. A councillor O'Brien, Cllr Jim Townsend to be the smallest election in the country. on Kells Town Council, he will face an uphill challenge in a competitive field which Having represented the constituency since 1961, Seamus includes big-hitters Noel Dempsey (FF) and Damien English (FG). Pattison, who was automatically returned as Ceann Comhairle in 4 Cork South Central 2002, has now retired. Kilkenny-based Councillor Michael O'Brien 11 Tipperary South No of seats: 5 - Currently 3 FF, 1 FG, 1 GP Longford-Westmeath and Carlow-based Cllr Jim Townsend will seek to emulate the elec- No of seats: 3 - Currently 1 FF, 1 No current Labour TD. Candidate: Cllr Ciaran Lynch New constituency - Longford was formerly joined with Roscommon, and toral strategy with both candidates polling well in 2002 and with FG, 1 IND Cllr Ciarán Lynch will fight it out in one of the tightest battles in the country, with FF's Westmeath was a 3-seat constituency on its own. No of seats: 4 Labour performing well in the 2004 locals here. No current Labour TD. Candidate: Mícheál Martin and FG's Simon Coveney vying to top the poll. Lynch will be hoping to gain Current TD and candidate: Willie Penrose Mayor one of the FF seats although the Greens' may also be under threat. With a Wexford If you're looking to put money on one Labour candidate in the next general election, 's Phil Prendergast is uni- strong showing in the 2004 locals here, and a vigorous local organisation, Lynch may be No of seats: 5 - Currently 2 FF, 2 FG, 1 Willie Penrose would be the safest bet. Touted nationwide as an incredible vote-get- versally accepted as a bright Labour's best chance of a gain in "The Real Capital." LAB ter, Penrose was the only Labour candidate in 2002 to exceed the quota on the hope for Labour in a constituency Current TD and candidate: Brendan first count and while the introduction of Longford to the constituency will hardly add once dominated by Labour's 5 Cork South West Howlin to the Labour presence, he looks set for his fourth term in the Dáil this time round. Michael Ferris. Formerly part of No of seats: 3 - Currently 2 FF, 1 FG Along with Wicklow, Wexford has been Seamus Healy's Workers' and No current Labour TD. Candidate: Senator Michael McCarthy somewhat of a stronghold of the left 9 Laois-Offaly Unemployed Action Group, Having polled 10% here in 2002, Michael McCarthy went on to an impressive Seanad vic- for years, with and his 8 No of seats: 5 - Currently 2 FF, 2 FG, 1 PD 6 11 Prendergast joined Labour in tory on the . Both FF's Denis O'Donovan and FG's Jim O'Keeffe seem safe No current Labour TD. Candidates: Jim O'Brien and David Whelan father Richard dominating until the here, but the retirement of former Agriculture Minister Joe Walsh might leave an outside 3 12 2005 and has put out a strong Undoubtedly Labour's weakest constituency in the whole of Leinster, it is hard to 1980's. Only between 1982 and chance for the Labour candidate on an improved showing. 7 1 marker for a challenge here. remember that Labour held a seat here less than ten years ago. Pat Gallagher's 's election in 1982 did 2 6 Kerry North election in 1992 was the fruit of many year's labour as well as the effect of a Labour not hold a seat here. The pat- 4 Tipperary North No of seats: 3 - Currently 1 FF, 1 FG, 1 SF national Spring Tide. First-timers Jim O'Brien (based in Portlaoise) and David tern is unlikely to be changed here. 5 No of seats: 3 - Currently 2 FF, 1 IND No current Labour TD. Candidate: Cllr Terry O'Brien Whelan (based in Tullamore) will be hoping to build Labour's profile in a constituen- Colm O'Gorman was rumoured to be in No current Lab TD. Candidate: Sen Kathleen O'Meara Labour members will need little reminding of former successes here. Former leader Dick cy dominated by Ministers Cowen and Parlon and FG's Olwyn Enright. Maybe, just talks with Labour about a possible run With FG targeting the return of a seat here that they Spring held the Labour seat here for over 20 years, following on the tradition from his maybe, a collapse in Parlon's vote might lead to a backdoor chance for Labour. here but instead opted for the PD's. lost with the scandal over Michael Lowry - who, baffling- father. He lost it in 02 in unlucky circumstances, polling 0.90 of a quota and still losing His campaign has been much of a ly, continues to top the poll here - it is difficult to see the out. Tralee-based Councillor Terry O'Brien will be hoping to rejuvenate Labour's fortunes in Kildare North damp squib and is unlikely to threaten Labour candidate not feel the pinch here. Nevertheless, Kerry North, and recent polls have predicted that Labour will take a seat from FG or SF. No of seats: 4 - Currently 1 FG, 1 LAB, 1 IND Howlin's return to the Dáil. Kathleen will be aiming high to move next door from the Current TD and candidate: Emmet Stagg 7 Kerry South Wicklow Seanad to the Dáil. Formerly a Labour seat built up by The increase of Kildare North from 3 seats to 4 shouldn't affect Emmet Stagg's John Ryan, it might yet return a Labour TD in ‘07. No of seats: 3 - Currently 1 FF, 1 LAB, 1 IND No of seats: 5 - Currently 2 FF, 1 FG, 1 LAB, 1 IND longstanding vote in an area he has represented since 1987. The former darling Current TD and candidate: Breeda Moynihan-Cronin Current TD and candidate: Liz McManus. Also : Cllr Nicky of the Labour Left was unable to return a Labour colleague in Paddy MacNamara 9 Former Labour organiser Pat Magnier said that Michael Moynihan - Breeda's father - Kelly Limerick East in the 2005 by-election here, but should comfortably hold his seat despite a left carved the Labour seat out of the mountain rock of Kerry South. Labour has fought hard Labour came closest to a second seat here last time out No of seats: 5 - Currently 2 FF, 1 FG, 1 LAB, 1 PD challenge from Independent Catherine Murphy. to maintain a base here and Breeda Moynihan-Cronin's announcement of retirement led with just 19 votes separating Nicky Kelly from Fianna Fáil- Current TD and candidate: Jan O'Sullivan to considerable despair in the local organisation. Her change of mind to run again has Kildare South oriented Independent Mildred Fox, who is now stepping Labour's Education Spokesperson in the current Dáil, prompted flurries of activity and a local poll has placed her highly for re-election. No of seats: 3 - Currently 2 FF, 1 LAB down. A strong challenge has been mooted for Green Jan O'Sullivan began her political life in the Democratic Current TD and candidate: Councillor Deirdre de Burca here, and there may yet be an Socialist Party and has carried on the tradition - and 8 Limerick West Labour's spokesperson on Sport and Tourism in the current Dáil, Jack Wall has independent heir to Fox's seat, but with FF in disarray the the seat - of Jim Kemmy in this mostly-urban con- No of seats: 3 - Currently 2 FF, 1 FG held a seat here since 1997. A mostly rural constituency with an increasing num- hope is that Labour can win 2 of the 5 seats in a con- stituency which also incorporates a small part of Co No current Labour TD. No candidate yet selected. ber of Dublin commuters, Kildare South may indeed return a change at the next stituency that has never failed to elect a left candidate Clare. A strong vote-getter with an excellent chance of The only constituency where Labour has yet to select a candidate. She or he will have a election. The media wisdom is for a switch from FF to FG and a Labour hold. (James Everett, Liam Kavanagh and Liz McManus). re-election. fight on their hands as Labour only holds one Council seat here and did not stand in 02. FEATURES The Left Tribune 10 IN THEORY: Neo-liberalism and the Political Poker demise of Irish democracy InIn thethe secondsecond ofof LeftLeft Tribune’sTribune’s seriesseries linkinglinking thethe theoreticaltheoretical questionsquestions ofof modern socialism with practical issues,issues, LouiseLouise CaffreyCaffrey lookslooks atat neo-libneo-lib-- eralism and the detrimental effect the ideologyideology isis havinghaving onon democracy.democracy.

Neo-liberalism is arguably the most important cratic activity. Thus the increasing threat of pri- ideology has resulted in extraordinarily high lev- concept of the past 30 years. It is an ideology vatisation taking place within the Irish health, els of inequality. More than 20% of Irish people that has come to announce an upheaval in glob- education, energy and transport sectors limits are living in poverty and the EU social inclusion al economic, social and political governance and the accountability of these sectors to the Irish data from 2001 (most recent) places Ireland at a paradigm that has provoked some of the people. As we sell off control of our assets, the bottom of the table in terms of the EU-15. most impassioned and bitter policy debates. democracy is eroded since our decisions at The effect of this on people's lives must be nei- "Neo-liberalism" is a term that litters the pages ther underestimated nor ignored. However, it of academic journals but hears rare utterance Neo-liberalism gives those must also be examined from the perspective of within the popular media or the walls of Leinster controlling foreign capital within its effect on the functioning of democracy. Our House. Consequently, despite its global magni- Ireland a disproportionate and equal engagement in the political system is tude it is a concept that the vast majority of peo- undemocratic influence on determined not just by our equal "right" to in support of ple in Ireland, as worldwide, have never heard of. decisions taken in the country engage, but by our ability to engage. Time, edu- So what is neo-liberalism? Firstly it is cation, health, knowledge, even money itself, can important to note that neo-liberalism is not a election time are effectively decisions over a affect the weight of our political contribution. precisely defined term. It is a broad ideology and smaller and smaller area of policy. Moreover as These factors are more unequal in an unequal its implementation has varied between coun- our say diminishes, that of the private sector society. The result of this is a "democracy" in tries. The central tenet of neo-liberal ideology is grows, creating a situation in which decisions which the democratic contribution between cit- that the economy will grow fastest if govern- affecting Irish people are increasingly decided izens is of increasingly unequal weight. ments keep their intervention to a minimum. not by the Irish people as a whole, but by a small Thus there is high indication that the Hence it advocates vast privatisation of state group of private and wealthy individuals. neo-liberal model has a negative impact on the enterprise, low taxation and a highly limited wel- The importance placed on the attrac- functioning of democracy. Yet this erosion of Wednesday 28 February fare state. It also proposes the "opening up" of tion of FDI in the neo-liberal paradigm further democracy is happening in silence. This silence individual countries to the global economy, prin- accentuates this trend. By making FDI the cor- interacts with the undemocratic nature of neo- cipally through the attraction of high levels of nerstone of economic growth, neo-liberalism liberalism to further compound popular alien- Foreign Direct Investment (FDI); essentially gives those controlling foreign capital within ation from the democratic process. If Irish 8pm money (or companies) from abroad to fund proj- Ireland a disproportionate and undemocratic democracy is to maintain any meaning, this ects at home. influence on decisions taken in the country. It silence must be broken and informed and inclu- Neo-liberalism is first and foremost also places limits on the policy choices that gov- sive debate must begin. For this to happen the an economic policy and its economic implica- ernments which accept the neo-liberal model question of neo-liberalism must be transported Basement, Doyle’s Pub, Dublin 2 tions are of utmost importance. However, an can make. A particularly potent example of this from academic circles into "real" society. The economy cannot exist in isolation and so neo-lib- in the Irish context is the use of Shannon Airport current context of politics, in which issues are eralism must also be seen as a political and as a stopover point for US military planes in the introduced and challenged in the absence of a social policy with consequences for the fabric of war against Iraq. This situation exists despite debate that engages with the notion of ideology, society in far broader terms. These political and the clear opposition of the vast majority of Irish is not just unhelpful but wholly damaging to Irish Buy in: €20 ( €10 to prize pool ) social effects of neo-liberalism are a much less citizens, yet it is allowed to perpetuate because society and democracy. The responsibility for debated topic, yet through an examination of our government fears offending any foreign transporting this debate into the "real" world the Irish context it can be argued that elements investment within the country, an inherently ultimately lies with political parties, trade unions, 20 minute blinds - Rebuys allowed for first 100 endemic to the neo-liberal model erode and limit undemocratic situation. the media and broad civil society. This trans- the quality of democracy. A final issue relates to the link portation must begin with an acknowledgement minutes - 3000 chips starting stack - Register Firstly, the neo-liberal avocation of between neo-liberalism and inequality, the and re-engagement with the ideologies of this high levels of privatisation presents a conflict growth of which is expected by even the most century. Only in such a manner can democracy with the democratic model since by definition it enthusiastic proponents of neo-liberal restruc- be reinvigorated and neo-liberalism, which so by 7.30pm and receive an extra 250 chips! erodes the public sphere; the sphere of demo- turing. Within Ireland the pre-eminence of this undermines that democracy, be challenged. 11 The Left Tribune DEBATE DEBATE The Left Tribune 12 NO: Dónal Ó Should Labour co-operate Liatháin "The British army must take full responsibility for civilian deaths by failing to clear the area [around the car bombs planted by the PIRA] in an efficient and appropriate manner" - more closely with Sinn Féin? PIRA Army Council statement Is it now time for Labour to work with Sinn Féin towards a left-led alternative government rather than This was the twisted logic of Seán coalition with Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil? Paul Dillon, who was a former organiser for the ATGWU in the 6 Mac Stíofáin, the first Chief of Staff of the counties, and Donal O Liathain, a member of Labour Youth, take on the debate. Provisional IRA, and in a way it characterized the twisted logic of the Provisional Republican movement from its very incep- YES: Paul Dillon tion. Nothing was ever their fault, they had the right to remove from existence anyone What is to become of the Labour Party? Ten they wished, and violence was just their way years of Fianna Fáil and the PDs and Labour of political campaigning. In their view two still hovers in or around the 10 to 12 per- words justified everything - "Brits Out". cent mark in the opinion polls. At this stage, With the passing of time the period it is safe to conclude that the Mullingar known as '' will fade in people's accord and the pre-election pact with the memories. It will be hard for the generation Fine Gael party have not rewarded Labour in after our's to understand the motives and terms of public support. Add to that the fact methods of many. It's even hard for our gen- that some long standing Labour polices eration to remember the constant fear, the seem to have been ditched and new policies unrelenting security and counter security have been cautious and "un-Labour' like in measures, the unspoken rules dictating what order to preserve an image of false unity you couldn't say or where you couldn't go. It's between Labour and FG and the picture for a long, tragic and truly saddening story. Labour appears bleak. The greatest effect of To explain Sinn Féin/PIRA's part in Labour's alliance with FG has been the partial instigating the violence in figures, the PIRA resurrection of that party's fortunes. and construct a programme deserving of the Polish agenda. Socialists recognize the com- killed approximately half of all who were killed that a declaration passed in a dusty chamber What is the alternative? Surely not many years before, but none-the-less Sinn description Labour to build support for it. mon purpose of humanity and stress that in the Troubles. They killed more civilians then matters not a damn if people's actions and an alliance with Fianna Fáil. Labour members Féin representatives warned her family not This of course means a change in when it comes to divisions in society, the they killed British soldiers and they killed attitudes do not support it. need little reminder of the outcome of to make the service public. The family did. All attitude from some towards Sinn Féin. The dividing line is class, not nationality. But that more Catholics then they killed Protestants. The Sinn Féin leadership may loftily Labour's past association with FF in govern- ten children of Jean have reported threats truth is that all of the traditional arguments doesn't mean we need be uncomfortable In short, for 30 years the PIRA terrorized declare themselves to be a left leaning party, ment. Those who suggest that Labour's elec- and/or attacks from the 'Republican move- against the participation of Sinn Féin in gov- with people asserting their identity. their way through Northern Ireland not car- but when it refuses to take action against its toral slaughtering in 1997 had more to do ment'. ernment have now disappeared. The IRA has Some have raised practical ques- ing that they were directly damaging their own members for violent bigoted crimes it with the switch in electoral partners from Few would count November 2005 put its arms beyond use. The Sinn Féin party tions over Sinn Féin's Left credentials relat- 'own' community more then protecting it. The looses all credibility. Sinn Féin in government Fianna Fáil to Fine Gael in 1994 are still box- as history. A little under 18 months ago five has been aligned to the causes close to the ing to their time in government in the North PIRA also killed more republican paramili- may declare itself to be a rights giving group, ing from the same corner. Close relation- Sinn Féin activists were charged over claims hearts of members of the Labour party and when Sinn Féin ministers were said to have taries than loyalist paramilitaries in its but when they triple health waiting lists, when ships with either Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael - the they viciously assaulted a garda and group of others on the Left in recent years - most introduced private finance initiatives into pub- "defense of the community". In reality the they fail to remove the 11 plus and when they Podge and Rodge of Irish politics - do not ben- foreign nationals with hurleys in a racist noticeably the citizenship referendum of lic services. Others argue that Sinn Féin's PIRA was a cabal of ruthless men and do nothing but hinder equality legislation then efit Labour electorally and prevent the emer- attack in Ballinamore, Co Leitrim. During the 2003, the question of the US military's use of Left credentials are compromised by a women consolidating power and wealth with they show their true colours. Many ordinary gence of an alternative politics to rival the attack, the proud Irish Republicans cried Shannon airport and currently in the Shell to seemingly all encompassing nationalism, evi- little regard for those who got in their way. members of Sinn Féin can show socialist current dominance of centre-right ideas in "f*** off back to your own country" and defi- Sea campaign. dent when the party leadership supported But is this representative of Sinn inclinations but until they realize that a united Ireland. antly declared that "Ireland is for the Irish". There is no point resurrecting what Mary McAleese in her bid to win the Féin today? After all Gerry Adams has come people is more important than a united This is the bad news. The good Thankfully the leadership of the "Ireland of occurred in yester year. Sinn Féin members Presidency in 1997. a long way from being a scruffy prisoner and Ireland they are little more then base nation- news is that an alternative is available if we Equals" haven't bowed under pressure and returned to the Dáil in 2006 will be returned These are questions for debate Martin McGuinness has changed from the alists in a party acting for "ourselves alone". are brave enough to seek it out. The num- these fine Irishmen still retain their member- on a political mandate, not on the basis of and discussion. To the Labour audience, I ragged PIRA volunteer that he was to the What story the future will bring no bers of Labour, Sinn Féin, Green and pro- ship of SF. past IRA atrocities. It is time to let the past offer this point of view. Labour members will sleek and oily politician he has become. one can know, but there are stories from the gressive TDs in the Dáil outstrips the parlia- Gardaí also probed a link between rest. Some on the Left have been weary of only be in a position to challenge Sinn Féin on Let us consider the small case of past we all should know. In 1969 the leader mentary strength of the Fine Gael party. A the Ballinamore incident and an attack on a raising questions of Republicanism and such questions when we strive to put our five of Arthur Morgan's election workers in of the Orange lodge on the Shankill road visit- similar coalition of the willing exists outside couple in a bar in Manorhamilton in March of nationalism, lest such questions divide peo- own house in order. This means asserting Bray. Not 30 years ago but 3. Remember ed the Catholic priest of the Falls Road with a parliament. Labour members were amongst last year. Two active members of Sinn Féin ple or contribute towards reactionary poli- opposition when our own party leadership is 2003? Remember that five Sinn Féin elec- simple request. He asked for, and was given, the hundreds of thousands who have taken were among six men arrested in connection tics. The truth of the matter is that it's no ambivalent about possible part-privatisations tion workers were among a gang of 6 (the a lend of the church's musical instruments part in the mobilisations against war, attacks with that incident. crime to argue strongly for Ireland to be gov- of public service and insisting that we use sixth had done time for membership of the so that the lodge could celebrate the 12th of on workers' rights and other progressive The list goes on: hijackings of alco- erned as single entity. It makes a lot of prac- opportunities like Presidential elections to PIRA) arrested in Bray, Co Wicklow in 2003. July. After the traditional march the lodge's causes in recent years. Some of these mobil- hol in Meath, punishment beatings in Belfast, tical sense. advance the Labour cause through actually These boys were posing as gardaí, using fake band marched up the Falls Road. There for isations - namely the Anti-war demonstration Limerick, Derry. Racist attacks in For starters, Unionists would have running a candidate of our own. uniforms and a stolen car made to look like a the rest of the day they gave a free concert of 15 February 2003 and the Irish Ferries Manorhamilton, Twinbrook. Extortion in a stronger voice in an all Ireland context. The policy of pursuing a Labour-led squad car (which contained Arthur Morgan's of contemporary show tunes, much to the march of December 2005 - were amongst Belfast Dublin, Cork. Money laundering in Currently, Unionism is a tiny minority in the government has both principled and prag- election posters in the boot). What were they delight of the local community. the biggest in recent Irish history. This ought Manchester, London, Glasgow… all cases Westminster set up. The Left need not be matic merit. This means reaching out to all doing five years after the Good Friday Today this would be impossible. A to be a cause for great hope. where individuals with connections to uncomfortable with questions of national those - including Sinn Féin - who may be Agreement dressed as Garda in Bray? wall 60 foot high of steel and barbed wire There has never been more sup- Provisional Sinn Féin have been arrested. identity. Identity does not have to be assert- potential allies in this quest. The conditions, Let's think about September 2003. now divides these communities. Lovingly port for a left-led government in Ireland. The left wing has, at the heart of its ed in a way that excludes anybody. A pluralist both inside and outside parliament, are Jean McConville was due to be buried. Sinn emblazoned on the wall in letters 6 foot high Labour has the opportunity to lead a coalition traditions, the absolute truth that politics society can accommodate a strong Irish favourable for the construction of such a Féin had 'nothing' to do with her murder doesn't end at a parliament's door. We know is the message "Support Sinn Féin/P.I.R.A.” of the willing both inside the Dáil and outside identity, a strong British identity, a strong project. 13 The Left Tribune INTERNATIONAL LEFT BACK The Left Tribune 14 A Socialist in the US Senate Get Involved! JOIN US! Have you been inspired by any Enda Duffy of the topics covered in this Think Labour? Why not join Labour? The outcome of the recent mid-term elec- issue? If so make sure to get tions in the United States was a shift in polit- Joining Labour Youth is as simple as filling in the form below and in contact with the relevant ical power to the Democrats; for the first posting to Labour Youth, 17 Ely Place, Dublin 2 - or emailing the time in over a decade the party now holds organisations: power in both the House of Representatives details to [email protected] and the Senate. This victory can best be Name: ______Boycott Killer Coke: described as a protest and direct political www.killercoke.org attack on the Bush administration and the Address: ______Sanders supports universal IUSY ______health care and opposes what www.iusy.org he terms "unfettered" free trade Phone: ______Disabled Rights occupation of Iraq. However, when thinking www.inclusionireland.ie about American politics, one can only be Email: ______aghast at the fact that the Democrats and Republicans have very few political differ- Other websites of note: ences. Both parties are pro market capital- College: ______Labour Youth Homepage: ism and pro war and both are funded by big www.labouryouth.ie business. In addition, the majority of their public representatives are wealthy million- ECOSY - Young European aires. The only real question when voting in Socialists: America is which is the lesser of two evils? This is a truly shocking reality in a country “We have the wealth and resources to end poverty, make health www.ecosy.org that purports democracy. However, in the care available for all and provide the best education in the world” Anti-War Ireland: state of Vermont a rare classic battle Sanders is a co-founder of the needs a political revolution', Sanders between capitalist and worker took place. House Progressive Caucus, a left wing group summed up his view of American political www.antiwarireland.org In the Senate elections a very of mainly Democrats. Sanders' voting record hegemony: "The tragic consequence of mil- Residents Against Racism unusual thing happened in American politics; speaks for itself, with votes against both res- lions of low income and working people losing a democratic socialist ran for election and olutions authorising the use of force against faith in the ability of the government to www.residentsagainstracism.org won convincingly. As the records show, Iraq in 1991 and 2002 and strong opposi- respond to their problems, is that today the Indymedia: Bernie Sanders is the first self-declared tion the 2003 invasion. Sanders supports United States has, by far, the lowest voter socialist to enter the Senate. universal health care and opposes what he turnout of any major country. Meanwhile, the www.indymedia.ie Bernie Sanders' whole life has been terms "unfettered" free trade, which he rich and multi-national corporations are occupied by struggles for social justice. In his argues deprives American workers of their pouring billions into the political process and early political career, Sanders ran for the jobs while exploiting foreign workers in both major political parties. The obvious Senate in 1972 and 1974, as well as for gov- sweat-shop factories. He also makes no result is that many candidates who are elect- ernor of Vermont in 1972, 1976 and 1986. secret of his opposition to the Bush adminis- ed end up being more concerned about Obituary: David Ervine In all these elections he lost. However, in tration, which he has regularly attacked for pleasing their wealthy benefactors than rep- Donal O Liathain early age he recognised and appreciated the the Irish language. They became close 1981, Sanders ran for mayor of Burlington cuts in social programmes he supports. resenting the needs of working people, chil- On a cold blustery day in January under the solidarity the unemployed had with each friends and came to the conclusion that a and defeated six-term Democratic incum- When Jim Jeffords announced dren, the elderly or the poor." shadow of Belfast's famous shipyards David other regardless of religion. Things were to peaceful socialist political group was needed. bent Gordon Paquette by 12 votes. During that he would not seek re-election, Sanders Sanders sums up this article with a Ervine was laid to rest. It was clear from the change when on July 21st 1972, attending a Upon his release he returned to his term as mayor he implemented many decided to run. He easily beat his Republican call to arms for the American worker, "We closed shops, the constant trickle of mourn- friend’s wedding in Belfast Castle, Ervine wit- East Belfast and joined the PUP. For the next socialist policies and was thanked by the challenger, businessman Richard Tarrant, by have the wealth and resources in this coun- ers emerging from the sidestreets and the nessed Republican bombs across Belfast thirty years he campaigned tirelessly for the electorate when they re-elected him for a margin of 2 to 1. History was made when try today to end poverty, make health care lowered flags, that this community was say- from the high vantage point. As the guests working classes. Until his death he was at the three more terms. the first known socialist entered the US available for all, and provide the best educa- ing farewell to one of their own. watched plumes of smoke rise from Loyalist front of a wide variety of socialist and labour Under Sanders, Burlington Senate to take his seat on 4 January 2007. tion in the world. We won't accomplish those How did this convicted bomber and Unionist areas many decided that they campaigns. East Belfast is still one of the became the first city in the country to fund Despite his achievements, Sanders goals, however, unless all Americans reclaim become so instrumental in the peace needed to do more to defend their communi- most disadvantaged areas in Northern community-trust housing and it redeveloped has received heavy criticism from both the their democratic heritage by fully participat- process? How could a man who despised ties. The 19 year old David Ervine was one of Ireland. Less then 1 in a 100 students get to many of its disadvantaged areas. In 1988, right and left. From the left, he has received ing in the political process: by using the racism and bigotry to his core maintain links these. The next day he joined the UVF third level. Unemployment rates are some of when six-term incumbent House criticism for being too close to the power to vote and speak and act for social to racist paramilitaries? How did a man who Two years later David Ervine was the highest on the island - voter turnout lev- Representative Jim Jeffords made a suc- Democrats and for supporting a vote for justice." always struggled to maintain his elected posi- caught driving a stolen car, with explosives les some of the lowest. Boarded up houses cessful run for the Senate, Sanders again John Kerry over Ralph Nader in the last pres- Although we on the left must not tions commanded such universal respect? and various bomb components. Sentenced and burnt out shops dot the streets. turned his attention to national politics and idential election. Sanders also supported the get carried away by his success, there is no Born in inner city East Belfast David to 11 years in the Maze, David was subject- But David Ervine has left a legacy. ran for Jeffords’ vacated seat in the House. Israeli attacks on Lebanon and is extremely doubt that Sanders is a man that continually came from a Protestant working class fami- ed to verbal abuse the moment he was In the politics of flags, David managed to Unfortunately, Sanders narrowly lost to hostile towards Palestinian sovereignty. In advocates grassroots participation in ly. After WWII many had been laid off from placed in his cell. Ironically it was his cell- raise more important issues. The people of Peter P. Smith, the former Republican candi- addition, critics from the right claim Sanders democracy and society and has consistently Harland & Wolfe Shipyards, the areas mate and the resident UVF Commander who East Belfast now have access to social proj- date for governor, but again ran against promotes programmes that include national- been calling for a new grassroots political biggest employer - between 25,000 and attacked him. Demanding to know why Ervine ects, and educational centres. Smith in 1990. In one of the biggest upsets ising all U.S. banks, public ownership of all util- movement to sweep across the USA and 30,000 workers in total. Never a wealthy had been imprisoned, Gusty Spence We're still a long way from Ervine's dream of in recent political history, he took 56 percent ities, the ending of compulsory education and reclaim politics for the people. Clearly, the area, East Belfast suffered. despaired at his simplistic naive answers. a north "free of the Pope, the Queen and King of the vote and became the first independent establishing a worker-controlled government. election of Bernard Sanders is a step in the Throughout the 50's and 60's Spence mentored him in econom- Billy" but with a few more David's and a few member of the House since 1950. In an article he wrote entitled 'US right direction for American politics. things went from bad to worse. Even at an ics, social theory and amongst other things, less Ian's it could be closer then we think.