The Plough
Volume 2, Number 6
25 September 2004
E-Mail Newsletter of the Irish Republican Socialist Party
1. Editorial
2. Disclaimer
3. Special Relationship Between British Establishment and Loyalist
Death Gangs
4. The Outcome of the Water Consultation is Hard to Swallow
5. An Apology!
6. The Oppressed People of the World Support Socialist Cuba: Why
Doesn't the SWP?
7. Letters
8. What's On
*******
EDITORIAL
The Plough would first like to express its sorrow at the death of Neil
Sheridan, a former INLA prisoner, in Maghaberry Jail. We extend our
condolences to his family and friends. Neil died tragically during the
week.
Neil, like many young men, frustrated at the anti-democratic nature of
the northern state joined a republican army. One has only to see what
has happened in the last week to see that history is in danger of
repeating itself with many young men following the example of Neil.
We reprint below a press release from the 32 County Sovereignty
Movement. The treatment of this loyalist drug-dealing criminal
indicates how closely the whole apparatus of state control is geared
towards appeasing loyalism and unionism.
In the farcical talks both in Stormont and at Leeds Castle the
leadership of Sinn Fein (Provisional) have seemingly given concessions
on the future of the IRA and on decommissioning. The DUP have now
switched their arguments to technical details of how the executive
should function and are been backed by both the Brits and the Free
Staters.
And on the Finucane enquiry it is now clear that most of it will be in
private. What a farce!! What a concession wrung from the Brits at the
talks!
Was it for these paltry advances the struggle was carried out? Even
the SDLP have accused Blair of reneging on his word. The IRSP have
consistently said never trust the Brits. Sinn Fein (Provisional) are
now engaged in negotiating guns and the IRA for seats in a right wing
dominated capitalist government that will not even have full control
over the six counties. Their grand strategy of splitting unionism has
now left Ian Paisley and the DUP as the majority voice of unionism.
"Well done, Gerry!" Well done indeed!
*******
DISCLAIMER
Once again we have to point out that a publication entitled "Starry
Plough Bulletin" has absolutely nothing to do with the Irish
Republican Socialist Movement. The latest edition -- Sept. 17th 2004,
Issue 11 -- carries an endorsement of the current political position
of the IRSP. A casual reading of the publication would lead one to
believe that it is an IRSP publication. It is most definitely not. It
has no address, no contact number, no e-mail or any means of
identifying who writes it. It also publishes lies, particularly about
Pat Fincucane, the Belfast solicitor murdered by British agents in the
UDA run by British intelligence services. The "Bulletin" comes in the
post to our offices in Belfast. It is probably the work of British
intelligence services.
*******
SHOUKRI RULING FURTHER EVIDENCE IF SOECIAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN
BRITISH ESTABLISHMENT AND LOYALIST DEATH GANGS
Press statement by the 32 County Sovereignty Movement
The decision by the courts not to revoke bail in the case of UFF
leader Ihab Shoukri is further proof if it were needed of a special
relation between elements within the British establishment and
pro-British death squads. Shoukri, despite flagrantly breeching the
conditions of his bail was not subjected to any form of censure by the
courts because a crown lawyer had been instructed from above not to
proceed with the revocation. The crown lawyer a Mr. Hopley told the
judge that There are certain things I am not at liberty to go into at
the moment
This begs the question, who exactly is accountable in the legal
profession. At a time when collusion between the UFF and the RUC is in
the headlines due to the case of Pat Finucane, it has not escaped the
notice of republicans that these two same organizations are continuing
to scratch each other's backs. The contrast must also be made between
the treatment of Shoukri and his brother Andre by the courts and that
of republican prisoners.
Andre Shoukri was arrested with a hand gun and ammunition yet served a
miniscule sentence for not having a fire arms license yet republicans
charged in similar circumstances have been given sentences which are
much more severe. Ihab Shoukri was also given bail despite being
charged with murder and when that charge was dropped he is still on
bail despite being charged with membership of the UFF. Contrast this
treatment with that of Pomeroy man Brendan O'Connor who having been
cleared of other more serious charges has been constantly refused bail
because of alleged membership of the IRA even though he was charged
with membership because of the more serious charges which have since
been dropped. The cases of the men from Tyrone and South Down who were
set up by the RUC and then cleared also spring to mind, these men
served long sentences despite the fact that they were innocent and
were refused bail on numerous occasions despite their innocence,
something that applies to Derry man Seamus Doherty and numerous other
republicans held under tenuous forensic evidence.
The Special Relationship between the RUC, British establishment and
the loyalist death squads is alive and well, there are still loyalist
leaders quite literally getting away with murder and as the Finucane
case shows leading figures within the British security apparatus are
also getting away with murder. Whilst expendables like Ken Barrett are
made sacrificial lambs, their superiors in their Woodvale shebeens or
their Whitehall members clubs are beyond the reach of justice.
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement urges all republicans not to be
taken in by the new policing arrangements and to be aware that there
can be no true justice for republicans in the northern statelet.
*******
THE OUTCOME OF THE WATER CONSULTATION IS HARD TO SWALLOW
People should not have to pay the cost of a basic need like water. The
Speller proposals in no way consider ability to pay. The 25% discount
proposed is inadequate and the charges will place an unacceptable
burden on low-income families. A workless or low-wage family in a
normal semi-detached house, even with the discount, could face a total
bill of £386, which will be levied regardless of the income level
of the family. Respondents to the consultation overwhelmingly
rejected this proposal.
Only 3% favouring a levy based on property value and since 78% of
respondents advocated a metering system the e question has to be asked
about how the decision was reached. It is clear that the consultation
process was a PR exercise and that the British Government is in
cahoots with the companies who want to get their grub privatised hands
on our assets. Even if we accepted the principle of charging for
water, and we don’t, then surely if a system of water charging is
to be introduced it should be efficient in economic terms, sustain the
environment and produce socially just outcomes.
The Brit proposals mean in effect that the old republican song, "Only
Our Rivers Run Free," no longer holds true!!!
*******
AN APOLOGY!
In The Plough Vol. 2, No. 3 we carried details of the Launch of "Che
Guevara and the Cuban revolution" by author Mike Gonzales Monday on
6th September in Robinson's Bar, Belfast. This was part of advertising
events we think may be of interest to our readers particularly here in
Ireland. Carrying those details does not mean we endorse the views of
the author of the book. We don't. The Republican Socialist Movement
are strong supporters of the Cuban Revolution. Many of our
ex-prisoners have visited Cuba and taken part in many acts of
solidarity with the Cuban Revolution. Our founding members,
particularly Ta Power, were heavily influenced by that revolution.
Accordingly we print below a critique of the book from "Fight
Racism-Fight Imperialism."
*******
THE OPPRESSED PEOPLE OF THE WORLD SUPPORT SOCIALIST CUBA: WHY DOESN'T
THE SWP?
By Helen Yaffe
According to the Socialist Workers Party (SWP), the Cuban Revolution
has never been socialist because it was not the "self-emancipation of
the working class." A new book, "Che Guevara and the Cuban Revolution"
by Mike Gonzalez, the SWP's expert on Latin America restates this
view:
"Che looked on the workers' movement, students and protest only to
support and supply the guerrillas. He described himself as a Marxist
now. Yet for Marx, a revolution was the moment when the working class
achieved its own liberation through collective action. This does not
appear in Che's worldview -- or in his political writings --
any more than it does in the political pronouncements and manifestos
of Castro."
It is vital for Gonzalez to assert this point to justify the
counter-revolutionary position of the SWP, which advocates the
overthrow of the revolutionary government by the Cuban working class.
Gonzalez continues: "And if that was how the revolution was to be
made, then it was also how the society which emerged from the
revolution would be." (p.79) Presumably it is this "original sin" of
the Cuban Revolution that allows SWP cadre to recommend the website of
right-wing terrorists in Miami, set up by Jorge Mas Canosa. In the
July 2004 issue of Socialist Review Gonzalez suggests that the
majority of people in Cuba do not benefit from the country's resources
and that workers are not represented. He concludes that: "the task for
socialists is to seek by every means possible to help workers organise
in their own interest. And if that means organising against the state,
then so be it."
The SWP adapts Cuban reality to its dogmatic theory, violating the
first principle of Marx himself -- historical materialism. The
facts confound the SWP's line. The Cuban working class, the rural
proletariat and the peasantry made the Revolution and have benefited
massively throughout its 45 years. The participation of the Cuban
working class was not led by the trade unions, because communists and
other radical left wing trade union activists had been assassinated in
the late 1940s and replaced with economistic leaders and outright
gangsters. Eusebio Mujal, head of the Cuban Workers Congress (CTC)
became a millionaire in one year. He was a rabid anti-communist.
When Batista seized power in 1952, Mujal allied the CTC with the
dictatorship. It was impossible for that trade union apparatus to
support the revolutionary movement against its puppet master. Mujal
warned trade unionists not to support the general strike called in
April 1958 by the 26th July Movement (M26J), headed by Fidel Castro.
Gonzalez just says the strike "was a disastrous failure. The unions
did not respond." (p.78) There is no mention of the repression meted
out to undermine the strike. In Havana 200 M26J militants were
murdered by Batista's troops who gunned down striking workers in the
streets. In Oriente province workers did strike en masse and M26J
militia destroyed and appropriated the property of US companies. Most
dishonest is Gonzalez's refusal to mention the revolutionary general
strike on 2-3 January 1959, which undermined US attempts to organise a
military junta after Batista fled. The strike was total and the
country was paralyzed as crowds cheered the Rebel Army into Havana.
Blinded by dogmatism, Gonzalez states: "The 26 July Movement had
supporters and sympathisers scattered across the island, but they were
not connected with the trade unions or any other organisations outside
their own circle." (p.59) Precisely because of the corrupt,
pro-imperialist nature of the trade unions, the task facing the
revolutionaries was to encourage workers to step outside the control
of the trade unions, to set up independent workers' organisations and
join other revolutionary organisations in the cities, which they did.
In the logic of Gonzalez's argument, when workers fought, either in
the urban underground or in the mountains with the Rebel Army, they
did not constitute the "armed working class," because the decision was
not passed at their local union branch meeting.
The reactionary role of the trade union apparatus during the Cuban
Revolution disturbs the SWP because it exposes the dogmatism of their
own political strategy in Britain, which gives the existing trade
unions, and through them the Labour Party, the key role in building a
socialist movement. To recognise other sections of the working class
as the real agents of social change is to undermine the SWP's claim to
the leadership of the left in Britain, which is based on their trade
union constituency.
Activists from Rock around the Blockade, an anti-imperialist campaign
in solidarity with the Cuban Revolution, continually expose the SWP's
position as contrived from a series of half-truths and outright lies.
Gonzalez himself drones from platforms about the Cuban Army
controlling prostitution, gays being persecuted, AIDS sufferers locked
up, no elections, no democracy, no workers' representation, the
government exploiting workers in the interests of multinationals,
while Cuba's support for Angola against the apartheid regime of South
Africa is dismissed as Soviet "imperialism."
Now the SWP has an organisational alliance with George Galloway, an
ardent supporter of both Cuban socialism and Fidel Castro. In this
light it is interesting to note that two key SWP lies have disappeared
in Gonzalez's book. Gonzalez's purpose is to reconcile the
anti-capitalist movement's admiration for Che and Cuban socialism with
the SWP's, a historical counter-revolutionary position.
First lie: The Revolution was fought by a bunch of middle-class men in
the mountains with no relationship to the cities.
At Marxism 2003, the SWP's annual meeting, Gonzalez described Cuba as:
"The command model, the idea of a revolution conducted and run by
revolutionaries with the passive support of the masses." In this
account, the Revolution was carried out by a small-militarised core,
with no participation in the cities.
Now Gonzalez's book recognises the existence of the M26J urban
movement led by Frank Pais: "Pais would be a key figure in the 26 July
Movement, as organiser of the urban movement." (p.53) Gonzalez now
shamelessly criticises Che for doing what the SWP has done until now
-- censoring the importance of the urban underground movement.
Discussing Che's upbringing Gonzalez says: "More important, perhaps,
than these directly political questions is the matter of the social
class to which the family belonged" (p.10) and speculates about "how
clearly he bore the marks of his class." (p.13) with an anecdote about
a beggar rejecting his help. Considering the class background of Marx,
Engels, Lenin and Trotsky, it is ridiculous that the SWP attempts to
discredit both Che and Fidel Castro for being middle-class. Clearly it
is not individual class background that is important but the class
interests such revolutionaries represent in the movement.
Within months of Batista's coup in March 1952, Fidel set up the M26J,
recruiting from the poor constituency of Havana where he had been
standing as a congressional candidate. Within a few months 1,500
members of the M26J were engaged in military training. They made an
alliance with Frank Pais and another group in Santiago, Cuba's second
city. Of those who attacked Moncada Barracks on 26 July 1953, "most
were factory workers and shop assistants," (Hugh Thomas, "Cuba," p.36)
The attack failed militarily and 61 of the 125 participants were
massacred. Politically, however, it sparked a movement throughout the
country, demanding the release of the survivors. In May 1955, less
than two years later, Batista submitted to public pressure and the
prisoners were released. Clearly then, Fidel and the M26J already had
public support. Gonzalez doesn't think so: "who were the guerrillas
beyond the small self-selecting group who had landed from the Granma?"
(p.63).
The urban wing of the M26J had sections for labour organisation, civic
resistance, students, urban militia, propaganda and treasury. Life in
the cities was more perilous than in the mountains, because of the
iron grip of the dictatorship. Nonetheless the M26J's National
Workers' Front organised work stoppages, the M26J's Civic Resistance
organised national strike committees and the M26J's National Student
Front agitated in schools. The urban militia carried out sabotage and
burned sugar cane. Frank Pais, the movement's leader, was assassinated
on 30 July 1957. He was 23 years old. The following day, 60,000 people
attended his funeral, businesses shut and workers went on strike
spontaneously for several days until Batista's repression forced them
back to work. This courageous and revolutionary history is censored by
the SWP and Gonzalez who writes: "The nature of the guerrilla
struggle, and its leadership by the 26 July Movement under Castro,
also meant that no mass organisations or organs of workers'
self-defence had grown in the course of the revolutionary war. That
was a necessary consequence of a war conducted until its very final
moments in areas remote from the centres of population and political
culture." (p.101)
Second lie: Che knew nothing about Marxism.
In 1991 Socialist Worker claimed that Che was "never inspired by
anything which remotely resembled Marxism." This is repeated
frequently from SWP platforms. Gonzalez now identifies Che with
Marxism, admitting that even before arriving in Cuba: "He had begun to
read his way into Marxist writings in a slightly more systematic way."
(p.54)
In 1963 Che instigated a "Great Debate" between Cuban revolutionaries,
members of the old Cuban Communist Party and internationally renowned
Marxists. The debate was about how to move away from the laws of
motion of capitalism and construct socialism in Cuba. Key to the
debate was the question of moral versus material incentives. Gonzalez
characterises Che's advocacy of moral incentives as an expression of
idealism or subjectivism. Gonzalez asks: "Why did he lay such emphasis
on the question of a new consciousness? It was certainly not for
economic reasons, or because committed people are more efficient
producers." (p.149) He is wrong. Che wrote: "We maintain that the
development of consciousness does more for the development of
production in a relatively short time than material incentives do."
("On the Budgetary Finance System," February 1964)
Che criticised the socialist bloc for using the "dull instruments of
capitalism" -- the law of value, the profit motive, material
incentives -- in building socialism. The law of value determines
the distribution of the social product according to the socially
necessary labour time embodied within it. The law of value is at the
heart of capitalist production. For Che Guevara, moral incentives and
voluntary labour were key to undermining the law of value because they
contradict its logic, under which workers sell their labour power in
order to purchase their subsistence, while creating profits for the
capitalists.
Gonzalez's book is marred by factual errors, dubious referencing,
spurious assertions and derogatory statements, backed by no evidence.
Gonzalez has pulled his information from several mainstream
biographies of Che and quotes some of Che's best-known works via
secondary sources, implying that he has not read them. A few examples
follow:
On pages 71-2 Gonzalez claims that during the guerrilla struggle "the
26 July Movement was also in regular contact with the CIA...and money
had already reached the Movement from US government agencies." No
evidence or reference is supplied for this claim.
On page 137 he quotes Jon Lee Anderson favourably: "There is no longer
any doubt that his [Che] and Fidel's paths had begun to diverge." A
few pages later Gonzalez states that: "While the economic argument was
developing with growing ferocity, Fidel was moving towards the
position that Che was defending." (p.141)
As examples of baseless derogatory comments; on Che's youth, Gonzalez
says: "Apart from his sexual dalliances with women workers, there is
little evidence to suggest that Ernesto had very much contact with
working people." (pp.16-17) On the Rebel Army’s arrival at La
Cabana fortress on the triumph of the Revolution, Gonzalez says Che
"opted for a kind of mass marriage ceremony within the fortress,
legitimising the uninhibited sexuality of the youth soldiers." (p.95)
While Gonzalez's book spreads its counter-revolutionary nonsense in
Britain the Cuban people prepare for an attack by the US. Cuba's best
defence from imperialist aggression is to continue to strengthen the
remarkable achievements of Cuban socialism, in healthcare, education,
culture, science, sustainable development and in international
solidarity. As Gonzalez's words ring hollow round the walls of Marxism
2004, Cuba continues to make an indelible contribution to
revolutionary Marxism.
*******
LETTERS
*
Dear Editor,
I have just read the article on immigration and the campaign for
amnesty for those considered 'illegals' in The Plough Vol. 2-5. There
is a new documentary out in USA called something like "Tomorrow There
Will Be No Mexicans in California" which explores the effect on Calif.
and its economy, culture and social life if the Mexicans were to
disappear suddenly. It's made by a Latino group to try and dispel the
myths surrounding immigration in that particular airt. Try and get to
see it if you can. We have, of course, the same attitudes in Britain
towards immigrants of whatever race or religion although it seems to
be more vicious and violent than in Ireland -- with some exceptions of
course.
I have spent many years studying the immigrant experience in various
countries since the early nineteenth century and have tried to get
students to understand the vast contribution that various waves of
immigrants have brought to those countries that they chose as their
new homes.
I wish you well with your campaign.
Regards
F. R.
*
Saturday, September 18, 2004
Dear Comrades,
Urgent: Peruvian Student Activist arrested in Bolivia (updated)
http://www.marxist.com/appeals/bolivia_arrested_student.htm
Bolivian government increases pressure on comrade Cesar Zelada
Intensify the solidarity campaign!
As we reported earlier, the Peruvian youth and revolutionary activist
Cesar Zelada, was arrested 6 days ago in Bolivia, during the protest
movement of university students in Puno and other universities in
Bolivia (see: University revolt in Oruro: Students and workers join
hand).
Cesar went to Bolivia as part of a delegation of students from the
Puno University (Peru) in solidarity with the struggle of the Bolivian
students and to participate in a meeting of the recently formed youth
wing of the Bolivian Workers Union (COB).
The latest news we have received from Bolivia about the situation of
the comrade are really worrying. He has been jailed in the San Pedro
Penal (La Paz), where he remains in isolation, but with common
prisoners. The prosecutor of the case is rabidly anti-Communist and
pro-government. In this way they are trying to break the morale of the
comrade, keeping him locked to set an example to other Bolivian youth
and students of what can happen to them if they continue with their
protests against the Carlos Mesa government.
Cesar has a court appointed lawyer, but he is not an expert on matters
related to terrorism or ?subversion? which is what the state is
falsely accusing the comrade of. These are the usual charges that
reactionary and bourgeois authorities all over the world throw at
those who dare to defy and denounce the privileges of the rich and
powerful.
We must intensify the international campaign, involving youth, student
and labour movement organisations, to force the Carlos Mesa government
to release our comrade immediately.
We ask our readers to continue and intensify the campaign of messages
of protest to the Bolivian authorities and the protests outside the
Bolivian embassies around the world.
Send urgent messages of protest demanding the release of Cesar Zelada
to:
Presidencia de la República (Carlos Mesa) webmaster@presidencia.gov.bo
Ministerio de Gobierno. Dr Saúl Lara Torrico mail@mingobierno.gov.bo
El Viceministro del Interior vicemingob@mingobierno.gov.bo
With copies to solidaridadconcesarzelada@yahoo.com
*******
WHAT'S ON
*
Seamus Costello Commemoration
Assemble 1.pm Sunday 10th October Town Hall Bray for March to Little
Bray Churchyard
Organised by the Irish Republican Socialist Movement
ALL REPUBLICAN SOCIALISTS TO ATTEND
*
30 September 2004
Senate Room, Queen's University Belfast
Queen's University Belfast, The School of Politics and International
Studies, The Centre for the Study of Ethnic Conflict, in conjunction
with the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), present a one
day conference: "Interpreting Ongoing Crises in the Northern Ireland
Peace Process: Civil Society Dimensions."
Speakers include: Professor Rupert Taylor (University of the
Witwatersrand), Dr Feargal Cochrane (Lancaster University), Robin
Wilson (Democratic Dialogue), Dr Christopher Farrington (QUB), Dr
Cathal McCall (QUB), Michael Potter (Training for Women Network),
Roisin McGlone (SICDP), Debbie Watters (Shankill Alternatives), Cllr
Mark Langhammer (Labour Party).
Places will be strictly limited. If interested please contact
Christopher Farrington, School of Politics and International Studies,
Queen’s University Belfast, C.Farrington@qub.ac.uk, 028 9097
3231.
*
Saturday, 9 October 2004
Young Women Talk Participation and Power
Call for Participants and Facilitators To a Young Women's Political
Dialogue
10.30am-3.30pm
St Columb's Park House, 4 Limavady Road, Derry/Londonderry, Northern
Ireland
What it is about:
The event will provide the space for you...
To meet and share your experiences of being a young woman interested
in local and global issues.
To discuss the barriers that prevent you from participating in public
and political activities.
To explore the different methods employed by organizations and
political parties throughout the world to promote the inclusion of
women.
To identify and develop strategies to achieve the full participation
of young women.
To put forward practical proposals to decision makers to achieve this
aim.
Who will be there?
Participants...
Will be aged between 16 and 30.
Will come from minority ethnic communities and the majority
communities.
Will be lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or heterosexual.
Will have a disability or not.
Will have children or not.
Will share an interest or an involvement in political activism,
community work, NGOs, local and global issues.
Female elected representatives who share, listen and want to support
younger women into leadership and decision-making.
What does it cost?
NOTHING -- the event is free of charge and includes lunch. We will
subsidise travel expenses and childcare/care allowance. There is a
bus going from Belfast to Derry/L'Derry.
Are you interested in volunteering your skills to facilitate small
group discussions in the afternoon?
We invite young women who enjoy facilitating discussions and who have
some experience in this to please tick the appropriate box in the
attached registration form. We will get in contact with you for
further information.
Interested in participating?
Please return attached registration form to St Columb's Park House or
contact Charlotte, Tel: 028 7134 3080, Email: ciacox@yahoo.co.uk, or
Carola, Tel: 028 9024 3363, Email: dialogue@womenintopolitics.org.
Programme
10.30am: Registration, Tea and Coffee
11.00am: Welcome by Carola Speth, Women into Politics
11.15am: 'Women in Decision-Making: An Overview of the Situation in
Europe,' Cecile Greboval, European Women's Lobby
11.25am: 'Quotas & Votas: Engender's Role in the 50/50 Campaign,'
Lorna Ahlquist, Engender Scotland
11.35am: 'If you can't see a space for yourself, build one of your
own,' Barbary Cook, Queer Activist
11.45am: Question & Answer Session
12.00 noon: WORKSHOPS
1.15pm: Lunch
2.00pm: Feedback from workshop groups
2.25pm: Discussion and Dialogue, Chair: Susan McReynolds, Presenter
on BBC Radio Foyle
3.25pm: Evaluation and Action Points
3.55pm: Closure by Charlotte Cox, St Columb's Park House
Who we are.
Women into Politics (WiP) is a cross-community project which actively
encourages the full participation of women in public and political
life by providing and promoting dialogue, advocacy and training. WiP
is independent of all political parties and works with women in all
their diversities. The project is based on feminist principles and
grounded in a community development ethos.
St Columb's Park House runs a number of projects promoting peace-
building, political dialogue, active citizenship, political literacy
and human rights. The Political Youth Forums programme brings
together members of political parties and youth wings aged 18-30
from across the UK and the island of Ireland to discuss policy issues
of common concern.
Funded by the Big Lottery Fund, the Community Relations Council NI
via Peace II and Atlantic Philanthropies.
*******
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*
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Saturday 25 September 2004
Friday 17 September 2004
The Plough Vol 02 No 05
The Plough
Volume 2, Number 5
17 September 2004
E-Mail Newsletter of the Irish Republican Socialist Party
1. Water Charges
2. Open Letter to Socialist Democracy
3. INTO Press Statement
4. Amnesty for All Immigrants
5. Letters
6. What's On
*******
WATER CHARGES
Most Northern Ireland households can expect to pay up to £415 per
year in water charges. The average household will pay £115 from
April 2006 that will rise to £340 in 2008. Last Monday, British
Minister of State John Speller announced the likely level of charges
for the province.
He also outlined arrangements for phasing in the charges and for
protecting low-income households.
"We estimate the average household charge is likely to be in the
region of £315-415 per year in 2008-09," Mr. Speller said.
Mr. Speller said charges would vary according to property value, but
would be capped at £750, with the lowest household charge about
£150. Household water and sewerage charges will consist of a
standing charge of around £55 each for water and for sewerage,
plus an element based on property value.
Charges will be phased in with customers paying one-third of the
annual charge in the first year, and two-thirds of the annual charge
in the second year following their introduction.
Mr. Speller said: "Bills to householders will vary depending on the
value of their property.
"For example, a property with a value of £60,000 will have an
annual water and sewerage charge of around £235, or 65 pence per
day.
"A property valued at £250,000 will have an annual charge of
around £615, or £1.70 per day." Charges will apply to all
domestic properties, whether owner-occupied or rented, with the costs
for water supply and sewerage services indicated separately in bills.
However the move is unfair to the vulnerable as well as those who
could afford to pay. A 25% discount will not help people on low
incomes struggling to make ends meet. The British Government's own
statistics show that one in every four (24%) homes in the North of
Ireland earns less than £200 a week. Under this scheme, these
households will be at risk of falling into water poverty.
The discount is considerably less than what's on offer from other
public services like transport, where government rightly subsidizes
the vulnerable."
Trade unions representing 1,800 water workers reacted angrily to the
announcement. Bumper Graham, secretary of the Water Group of Trade
Unions, said: "On top of Minister Pearson's announcement on rates
last week, this represents another Labour double whammy for the
people of Northern Ireland.
"The only people that can be happy are Gordon Brown and his
accountants in London."
There is a growing body of opinion against the water charges. The
IRSP support the position of "can't pay won't pay." We call on all
political activists to throw their weight into the campaign against
the water charges.
*******
OPEN LETTER TO SOCIALIST DEMOCRACY FROM THE IRISH REPUBLICAN
SOCIALIST PARTY
The following three questions were asked of Socialist Democracy. The
reply from SD was written by John McAnulty. It can be seen on their
website or accessed on the IRSP Derry Discussion Site. Comrade John
ignored the first two questions until page 7 of his nine-page reply.
1. Do you think the IRSP has sorted out the problems that bedevilled
it in the 1980s and into the 1990s (most especially the feuding)?
2. Do you see it as a basically healthy left organisation today?
3. What is your attitude towards taking some initiative to bringing
together socialist republicans - IRSP, yourselves, Bernadette, the
Blanket/Fourthwrite people (yes, despite their support for the awful
SEA election campaign), at least at the level of some kind of regular
public forum, to try to develop a serious revolutionary political
alternative to the Provo sell-out and GFA?
The IRSP are now responding to the answers from the SD. The SD has
made no attempt to deal with the IRSP in the response to the
questions. Socialist Democracy is completely out of touch. We had no
discussions around the emergence of The Blanket. As we understand it
The Blanket project arose around a number of ex-Provisional prisoners
who reject the direction the Adams/McGuinness leadership are taking
the Provisional Movement. It is true we have been at many conferences
but at none organised by Fourthwrite. We are not and were not
involved in that project.
As SD did not exist in 1974 who exactly were involved in discussions
with the IRSP? Perhaps John for the sake of historical accuracy could
elaborate?
As regards the very important question of military dominance John is
formally correct. Indeed a number of comrades including Bernadette
McAlliskey walked away from our movement after they lost by one vote
a motion on this very issue at the Ard-Chomhairle. In walking away,
as indeed John's tendency also did, from confronting the whole issue
of the leadership of the anti-imperialist movement Bernadette and
others (including for a time the present writer) made a bad error of
judgement. It was left to others to wage a political struggle against
an increasingly militaristic tendency in the Republican Socialist
Movement. Those who walked away severely weakened the political
tendency and indeed it became almost extinct with the assassinations
of Seamus Costello, Ronnie Bunting, Noel Little and Miriam Daly. But
there were others who fought for socialist, indeed Marxist leadership
of the anti-imperialist struggle. The most prominent of these was Ta
Power, INLA volunteer and Marxist. John jumps from 1975 to 1998 and
simply ignores nearly 30 years of political struggle and dismisses
our whole history with the phrase "no real independent political
theory could arise."
What does this mean? Does it mean that the IRSP had no politics --
that there was no internal debate and that the Republican Socialist
Movement had no politics or political positions? If that is truly
what John thinks then perhaps he has read too much of the gutter
press and not enough of what we have said are saying and will
continue to say.
Has John read the Ta Power Document? It deals exactly with the whole
question of the primacy of politics. Unfortunately for the primacy of
politics Ta was killed and those who retained control of the IRSM
began a process of de-politicisation that culminated in the shame of
a ceasefire declaration from a courtroom dock by a failed and
discredited leadership.
From 1994 a political fight-back led by Gino Gallagher but supported
by class conscious members won the movement back to its core values
and re-asserted the primacy of politics. In the bitter struggle to
achieve that Gino was assassinated. The collective leadership that
emerged then was opposed to the pacification process that began long
before 1994. In reaching our position on the Good Friday Agreement we
had no "help" from the theoreticians from the so-called Marxist left.
Indeed we have no recollection of requests from any of the left
sectarian groups, heavily imbued with static versions Marxist theory,
for meetings for discussions or even critiques of our politics. After
all we claimed to be socialists heavily influenced by Marxism and
were clearly anti-imperialists within our ranks armed volunteers who
saw themselves in the traditions of James Connolly.
Now maybe we read different versions of the Marxist classics but I
don't think that Marx, Lenin, Connolly or Trotsky said that the most
class-conscious revolutionaries should denigrate ignore or belittle
anti–imperialists. Socialist Democracy have made no effort to
convince anti-imperialists the virtue of SD politics or of the value
of Marxism.
Now let us turn to the slanders on our membership that John has
propagated.
1/ We are inside the tent that supports the GFA.
2/ Our position on the GFA is only the view of a few individuals and
not a programme of political opposition.
3/ He implies that the INLA ceasefire was to gain material benefits
for our membership.
We have consistently opposed the GFA and opposed the pacification
programme to weaken the anti-imperialist struggle and have taken our
arguments into as man areas and people as we can. Every Ard-Fheis in
the past 10 years has taken a consistent position in relation to
these matters. The membership has supported that position. Is John
McAnulty seriously suggesting that these members, many of whom have
served many years in imperialist jails, voted for something they did
not understand -- that they are too stupid to understand and have
been bought off by the Brits? The position of the leadership, John,
is the position of the membership and the position of the membership
is the position of the leadership. Attempts to suggest otherwise are
insulting and demeaning to our membership.
We also do not take kindly to the implication of being bought off
coming from a tiny group that has pranced up and down on the
sidelines of the anti-imperialist struggle criticising those who were
actually trying to solve the national question. Have you heard the
phrase "hurler on the ditch," John?
We do not claim to have been always correct or that we have the way,
the truth and the light. We have been our own strongest critics and
internal debate in our movement is healthy and constructive. We have
yet to ascertain how John can say "we are far from sure of the
position of the of the few members of the IRSP we come across on the
two key issues of the GFA and the partnership deals between Irish
capital and the union bosses."
Really, John, read The Starry Plough, read The Plough, visit our
website. That's where you come across our politics not from some
alleged meeting with our membership that did not take place. Don't
confuse casual conversations with serious politics. If you really
want to know what we think get your group to ask for a meeting with
our leadership.
It's always good to talk.
Now to briefly answer the questions John avoided.
"Do you think the IRSP has sorted out the problems that bedevilled it
in the 1980s and into the 1990s (most especially the feuding)?"
Yes absolutely but we do not regard what happened as feuding.
There was a clear agenda to destroy the Republican Socialist Movement
in order to pave the way for the final settlement of the Irish
Question by the imposition of the two state solution along so-called
democratic lines to allow for further penetration by international
capital.
There is a collective leadership and the primacy of politics is
paramount.
"Do you see it as a basically healthy left organisation today?"
We maintain we are. There is a high level of political debate going
on but only John McAnulty can answer that question. To facilitate him
gaining information we are quite prepared to arrange for Socialist
Democracy to meet with five of our rank and file members provided
Socialist Democracy allow us the same access to their membership.
"What is your attitude towards taking some initiative to bringing
together socialist republicans - IRSP, yourselves, Bernadette, the
Blanket/Fourthwrite people (yes, despite their support for the awful
SEA election campaign), at least at the level of some kind of regular
public forum, to try to develop a serious revolutionary political
alternative to the Provo sell-out and GFA?"
We support such moves and have participated in the efforts to reach
some sort of common position. As the largest organisation of those
mentioned we have taken initiatives in the past and been completely
ignored by the rest of the so-called republican socialist left. We
currently work well with all those mentioned and have good fraternal
relations with them. On the doorsteps we know that there is a
yearning for an alternative to the pacification process. We all have
a major job in ensuring that yearning is given concrete expression.
We will play our part in that task.
John Martin
Political Secretary of the IRSP
*******
INTO PRESS STATEMENT
Statement by John Carr, General Secretary, Irish National Teachers'
Organisation, on the OECD Report Education at a Glance 2004
14th September 2004
Time for the Minister to turn sentiment into hard cash.
Since 1995 Irish Gross Domestic Product has grown by seventy percent.
During this period of unparalleled economic growth overall education
spending increased by only forty five percent. Education spending,
like overall public spending, failed to keep pace with our new found
prosperity.
But an examination of what happened during that time within the
education budget shows a massive disparity in spending. Education
spending at primary and second level has increased by only thirty
four percent. At third level spending has increased by more than a
hundred percent.
At primary level we spend E.4, 582 per student per year. At second
level this rises to E.6, 421. At third level the equivalent figure is
E.12, 246. Per pupil spending at primary should be increased by at
least forty percent to bring primary spending in line with second
level.
The overall education budget shows the unfairness of government
spending.
Nearly half of all students (46%) are in primary schools. Government
spends less than a third (32%) of the education budget on these
pupils. Thirty four percent of students are in second level and these
students attract a third of education spending. Only twenty percent
of all students are in third level but government spends a third of
the education budget at this level.
At the other end of the age spectrum Irish enrolment figures and
spending are among the worst of all OECD countries. Countries such as
Denmark,
France, Germany and Norway target at least ten percent of their
budget at early childhood education. Ireland spends nothing.
The INTO welcomes the Minister's admission that Ireland lags well
behind other countries in terms of the amount we spend on education
relative to our overall GDP. His comments that we need to focus on
increasing the resources we allocate to primary education, since this
is the area where our expenditure compares least favourably with many
countries are an honest appraisal of the situation. The challenge for
the Minister and the government is to find the money and spend it
where it is most needed. It is time to turn sentiment into hard cash.
Education at a Glance 2004 shows where Irish primary education
compares favourably with other countries.
Irish seven year olds spend more time than most at lessons. In
Ireland seven year olds receive 915 hours of teaching per year. This
compares with an international high of a thousand hours in Scotland
and a low of 555 hours in Hungary. The average yearly lesson time for
seven year old is 752 hours.
The report also shows other areas where we need to make improvements.
Class Size
On average there are two extra pupils in Irish primary classes
compared to
OECD countries. Average class size in Ireland is 24.2. This figure
hides the range of class sizes that can be found in Irish primary
schools, which can still contain 30 or more pupils. The average
class size in Ireland is higher than the average across OECD
countries where the comparable figure is 21.9. Lowest class sizes
are found in Luxembourg (15.6), Iceland (17.9) and Italy (18.1).
In contrast average class size at second level is 21.4 compared to an
OECD average of 23.6. This is because in most countries the number
of pupils per class tends to increase as children move from primary
to second level, in some states by as many as four students. Only in
Ireland, UK, Denmark, Switzerland and Australia do the class sizes
drop.
When all non-class teaching staff are included (administrative
principals, learning support teachers etc.) Irish staffing levels at
primary are still well below OECD standards. In Ireland there are
19.5 pupils to every teacher while the OECD average is 16.6.
Country Primary Second Level
Australia 24.9 23.6
Austria 20.0 23.8
Belgium (Fr.) 20.0 21.1
Czech Republic 21.3 23.3
Denmark 19.4 19.1
France 22.3 24.1
Germany 22.2 24.6
Greece 17.2 22.9
Hungary 20.5 21.2
Iceland 17.9 19.2
Ireland 24.2 21.4
Italy 18.1 20.7
Japan 28.7 34.2
Korea 35.7 37.3
Luxembourg 15.6 19.9
Mexico 20.6 29.9
Poland 21.1 24.5
Slovak Republic 20.8 23.3
Spain 19.4 24.4
Switzerland 19.7 18.7
United Kingdom 26.0 24.7
Average 21.9 23.6
*******
AMNESTY FOR ALL IMMIGRANTS
The recent referendum on citizenship has created distress in
immigrant communities at the negative attitudes directed toward them.
Their fears were confirmed when an RTE exit poll found that 36
percent of Yes voters thought the country is being exploited by
immigrants?
It is now time to reverse this negative image by recognising positive
contributions that immigrants have made to Irish society. A tangible
way to do this would be to provide an amnesty for immigrants.
During the referendum debate, Justice Minister Michael McDowell said
that when the Citizenship Bill has been passed, we can address the
existing people in Ireland without feeling we are creating
precedents? (Irish Times 14th June 2004).
It is now time to act.
Why an Amnesty?
There are a number of reasons why an amnesty should be granted:
Deportations are costly and traumatic. Special planes are chartered.
People are forcibly removed. Children who have been brought up
speaking English are suddenly uprooted from friends and a familiar
environment and have to learn a new language and a new culture.
11,000 families applied for residency based on having an Irish born
child. Some withdrew applications for asylum on the basis that being
a parent of an Irish child would allow them to stay here.
However, are not the rights of 11,000 Irish children today being
rendered ineffective because their parents can be deported? Why
should one Irish citizen be forced into becoming a ward of the court,
while others have a right to enjoy access to their parent?
Beyond these 11,000 families, there are many more immigrants who have
been in Ireland for a number of years and have found themselves in a
legal limbo. Many of these have made a major contribution to the
Irish economy, whether through working legally or illegally.
However, their illegal status has rendered them open to gross
exploitation. One of the major contributory factors for the Celtic
Tiger was growth in labour participation rates, due, mainly, to
immigrants and women joining the workforce. The number of women
entering the labour force has begun to taper off since 1999,
therefore immigrants are likely a still more important role in the
future.
According to the Irish Labour Market Review, the largest increase in
the medium term in the Irish economy will be in services, which the
labour force is set to rise by 18 percent. It is precisely in these
areas, that many immigrants currently find work.
They should therefore be granted an amnesty so that they can make a
full and open contribution to the Irish economy. Amnesties for
immigrants have been introduced in a number of industrialised
economies. In 1992, Non-EU immigrants to Portugal who had lived there
for six months were granted an amnesty. It was deigned to benefit the
tens of thousands of African who had come from Portugal's former
colonies. Canada introduced an amnesty in 1973 with the approval of
all parties and 39,000 people benefited from it. Most recently, a new
amnesty has been announced to address the needs of the labour market.
Undocumented workers are being given temporary visas and are then
eligible to apply for permanent status after 2 years.
In 1986, the US government offered an amnesty. It is again currently
offering an amnesty programme for the 8 to 11 million illegal
immigrants. It is granting 3-year work visas to previously
undocumented immigrants.
Amnesties have been offered for the simple reason they make sense.
They recognise the reality that many immigrants will stay here
permanently despite the myth that they are only here as guest workers.
Irish people have benefited considerably from amnesty when they were
illegal immigrants. In the 1980s, Bruce Morrison sponsored a Bill for
special visas to be issued to Irish citizens. Almost 50,000 Irish,
many of whom were illegal immigrants, took advantage of the Bill. It
was the official policy of the Irish government to lobby for Irish
illegal immigrants and to seek to have their situation regularised.
Natural justice implies the same situation should pertain here.
The Human Rights Commission and the Irish Bishops conference have
already called openly for an amnesty. It is now vital that other
organisations in Irish society come forward and support this call.
The African Social Forum believes that a broad coalition should be
formed to support the call for an amnesty.
We would therefore like to invite as many groups and individuals as
possible to attend a public meeting for a campaign for Amnesty For
All.
It will take place on Saturday 18th September at 2pm in Liberty Hall,
Eden Quay, Dublin.
African Social Forum:
GLADSTONE OGBONNA; LUKE CHOTO
Tel: 086-3152597
or Joe Carolan
Amnesty for All Campaign:
087 9032281
*******
LETTERS
*
Anti-Racist Network
Dear Comrades,
We have an excellent new website thanks to Michael Scott.
Check it out onhttp://www.arnni.tk/
[From Barbara]
*******
WHAT'S ON
Sunday September 19th
James McPhilemy/Alex Patterson Commemoration in Strabane
2:00 assemble
*
Sat 25 September 2004
St Patrick's Centre, Downpatrick
From 9:30 until 12:00
Political Visions of the Future
Peter Robinson says Yes, Ian Paisley says No, then maybe. John de
Chastelain arrives back in town. The IRA will decommission,
they'll dissolve, they'll disappear.
Facts or fantasies?
With the Leed's Castle Talks about to get under way Community
Dialogue is bringing together four of the people who will run
Northern Ireland if the outcome is successful. They are all MLAs and
the Talks will decide if Northern Ireland is going to be run by our
own Assembly or by Direct Rule Ministers from Britain.
Jim Wells (DUP), Willie Clark (Sinn Fein), Dermot Nesbitt (UUP), and
Margaret Ritchie (SDLP) will come together to debate the issues.
Some of the questions they will address are:
§ Can the DUP and Sinn Fein work together in Government?
§ If so, what changes have to take place first and by whom?
§ Why will this Government be better than Direct Rule?
§ Will the new Government ignore the Community Sector, or will
they treat it on a par with business and farming?
§ If not, how do they think we will get rid of sectarianism and
overcome our divisions?
Community Dialogue are expecting a big crowd at this important
seminar. As always, the main focus will not be on the platform
speakers but on those who attend. They will be asked for their views
and given the opportunity to express them forcefully.
This is an opportunity for the MLAs to listen to the people, and for
the people to listen to the MLAs.
As Northern Ireland faces perhaps its most important political week
since the signing of the Belfast Agreement this seminar could not be
more timely.
For further information contact:
Kay Nellis
Tel: 028 4381 6670
Email: kaynellis@aol.com
*
Saturday September 25th 1-6pm
What sort of anti-racism do we need?
A day of talks and discussion, organised by the WSM, with speakers
from anti-racist and immigrant groups Saturday September 25th 1-6pm,
Teachers Club, 36 Parnell Square, Dublin
A screening of "Holiday Camp" a documentary on the Woomera Asylum
Seeker camp break out will take place from nine in the same venue.
After the passing of the citizenship referendum, nobody can deny that
racial prejudice is widespread in Ireland. Workers Solidarity
Movement members, who were active in the Campaign Against the Racist
Referendum, are hosting this meeting as a contribution to the
discussion about how best to combat racism. Admission is free and
everyone is welcome.
A video Screening of "Holiday Camp" will take place after the 'Ideas
and Action' from nine in the Teachers Club. The pivotal action of
this documentary is the detention centre breakout, which occurred as
part of a five-day long direct action camp established next to the
razor wire fences at Woomera, a detention centre for asylum seekers
in Australia.
Holiday Camp reclaims the voices of the marginalised, and connects
the issues of Indigenous dispossession, genocide, constructions of
race and incarceration policies, which are often portrayed as
unrelated. The film suggests that the policy of mandatory detention
and raising of borders to protect fortresses of privilege make us all
un-free.
1pm Welcome
1:30pm The Origins of Racism. Where does it come from, is it natural,
is it manufactured?
2:15pm Experiences of racism in Ireland today. Immigrant, migrant and
traveller speakers invited.
3:00pm Break.
3:15pm Practical campaigning. Speakers from new initiatives on work
permits and female genital mutilation.
4:00pm Anti Racism. Groups. Residents Against Racism, The Belfast
Anti-Racist Network and the Fascists Out Campaign have been invited
to talk about their aims and activities
4:45pm Break
5:00pm What Sort of Anti-Racism do we need? An open discussion about
the sort of movement we need to build if we are to effectively combat
racism.
9pm A Screening of "Holiday Camp" and Social.
*
30 September 2004
Senate Room, Queen's University Belfast
Queen's University Belfast, The School of Politics and International
Studies, The Centre for the Study of Ethnic Conflict, in conjunction
with the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), present a one
day conference: "Interpreting Ongoing Crises in the Northern Ireland
Peace Process: Civil Society Dimensions."
Speakers include: Professor Rupert Taylor (University of the
Witwatersrand), Dr Feargal Cochrane (Lancaster University), Robin
Wilson (Democratic Dialogue), Dr Christopher Farrington (QUB), Dr
Cathal McCall (QUB), Michael Potter (Training for Women Network),
Roisin McGlone (SICDP), Debbie Watters (Shankill Alternatives), Cllr
Mark Langhammer (Labour Party).
Places will be strictly limited. If interested please contact
Christopher Farrington, School of Politics and International Studies,
Queen’s University Belfast, C.Farrington@qub.ac.uk, 028 9097
3231.
*
Saturday, 9 October 2004
Young Women Talk Participation and Power
Call for Participants and Facilitators To a Young Women's Political
Dialogue
10.30am-3.30pm
St Columb's Park House, 4 Limavady Road, Derry/Londonderry, Northern
Ireland
What it is about:
The event will provide the space for you...
To meet and share your experiences of being a young woman interested
in local and global issues.
To discuss the barriers that prevent you from participating in public
and political activities.
To explore the different methods employed by organizations and
political parties throughout the world to promote the inclusion of
women.
To identify and develop strategies to achieve the full participation
of young women.
To put forward practical proposals to decision makers to achieve this
aim.
Who will be there?
Participants...
Will be aged between 16 and 30.
Will come from minority ethnic communities and the majority
communities.
Will be lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or heterosexual.
Will have a disability or not.
Will have children or not.
Will share an interest or an involvement in political activism,
community work, NGOs, local and global issues.
Female elected representatives who share, listen and want to support
younger women into leadership and decision-making.
What does it cost?
NOTHING -- the event is free of charge and includes lunch. We will
subsidise travel expenses and childcare/care allowance. There is a
bus going from Belfast to Derry/L'Derry.
Are you interested in volunteering your skills to facilitate small
group discussions in the afternoon?
We invite young women who enjoy facilitating discussions and who have
some experience in this to please tick the appropriate box in the
attached registration form. We will get in contact with you for
further information.
Interested in participating?
Please return attached registration form to St Columb's Park House or
contact Charlotte, Tel: 028 7134 3080, Email: ciacox@yahoo.co.uk, or
Carola, Tel: 028 9024 3363, Email: dialogue@womenintopolitics.org.
Programme
10.30am: Registration, Tea and Coffee
11.00am: Welcome by Carola Speth, Women into Politics
11.15am: 'Women in Decision-Making: An Overview of the Situation in
Europe,' Cecile Greboval, European Women's Lobby
11.25am: 'Quotas & Votas: Engender's Role in the 50/50 Campaign,'
Lorna Ahlquist, Engender Scotland
11.35am: 'If you can't see a space for yourself, build one of your
own,' Barbary Cook, Queer Activist
11.45am: Question & Answer Session
12.00 noon: WORKSHOPS
1.15pm: Lunch
2.00pm: Feedback from workshop groups
2.25pm: Discussion and Dialogue, Chair: Susan McReynolds, Presenter
on BBC Radio Foyle
3.25pm: Evaluation and Action Points
3.55pm: Closure by Charlotte Cox, St Columb's Park House
Who we are.
Women into Politics (WiP) is a cross-community project which actively
encourages the full participation of women in public and political
life by providing and promoting dialogue, advocacy and training. WiP
is independent of all political parties and works with women in all
their diversities. The project is based on feminist principles and
grounded in a community development ethos.
St Columb's Park House runs a number of projects promoting peace-
building, political dialogue, active citizenship, political literacy
and human rights. The Political Youth Forums programme brings
together members of political parties and youth wings aged 18-30
from across the UK and the island of Ireland to discuss policy issues
of common concern.
Funded by the Big Lottery Fund, the Community Relations Council NI
via Peace II and Atlantic Philanthropies.
*******
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*
Support the IRSP
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Please pay First Trust Bank Andersonstown Branch, Belfast, and credit
to Irish Republican Socialist Party, A/C Number 70490021, Branch Code
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Volume 2, Number 5
17 September 2004
E-Mail Newsletter of the Irish Republican Socialist Party
1. Water Charges
2. Open Letter to Socialist Democracy
3. INTO Press Statement
4. Amnesty for All Immigrants
5. Letters
6. What's On
*******
WATER CHARGES
Most Northern Ireland households can expect to pay up to £415 per
year in water charges. The average household will pay £115 from
April 2006 that will rise to £340 in 2008. Last Monday, British
Minister of State John Speller announced the likely level of charges
for the province.
He also outlined arrangements for phasing in the charges and for
protecting low-income households.
"We estimate the average household charge is likely to be in the
region of £315-415 per year in 2008-09," Mr. Speller said.
Mr. Speller said charges would vary according to property value, but
would be capped at £750, with the lowest household charge about
£150. Household water and sewerage charges will consist of a
standing charge of around £55 each for water and for sewerage,
plus an element based on property value.
Charges will be phased in with customers paying one-third of the
annual charge in the first year, and two-thirds of the annual charge
in the second year following their introduction.
Mr. Speller said: "Bills to householders will vary depending on the
value of their property.
"For example, a property with a value of £60,000 will have an
annual water and sewerage charge of around £235, or 65 pence per
day.
"A property valued at £250,000 will have an annual charge of
around £615, or £1.70 per day." Charges will apply to all
domestic properties, whether owner-occupied or rented, with the costs
for water supply and sewerage services indicated separately in bills.
However the move is unfair to the vulnerable as well as those who
could afford to pay. A 25% discount will not help people on low
incomes struggling to make ends meet. The British Government's own
statistics show that one in every four (24%) homes in the North of
Ireland earns less than £200 a week. Under this scheme, these
households will be at risk of falling into water poverty.
The discount is considerably less than what's on offer from other
public services like transport, where government rightly subsidizes
the vulnerable."
Trade unions representing 1,800 water workers reacted angrily to the
announcement. Bumper Graham, secretary of the Water Group of Trade
Unions, said: "On top of Minister Pearson's announcement on rates
last week, this represents another Labour double whammy for the
people of Northern Ireland.
"The only people that can be happy are Gordon Brown and his
accountants in London."
There is a growing body of opinion against the water charges. The
IRSP support the position of "can't pay won't pay." We call on all
political activists to throw their weight into the campaign against
the water charges.
*******
OPEN LETTER TO SOCIALIST DEMOCRACY FROM THE IRISH REPUBLICAN
SOCIALIST PARTY
The following three questions were asked of Socialist Democracy. The
reply from SD was written by John McAnulty. It can be seen on their
website or accessed on the IRSP Derry Discussion Site. Comrade John
ignored the first two questions until page 7 of his nine-page reply.
1. Do you think the IRSP has sorted out the problems that bedevilled
it in the 1980s and into the 1990s (most especially the feuding)?
2. Do you see it as a basically healthy left organisation today?
3. What is your attitude towards taking some initiative to bringing
together socialist republicans - IRSP, yourselves, Bernadette, the
Blanket/Fourthwrite people (yes, despite their support for the awful
SEA election campaign), at least at the level of some kind of regular
public forum, to try to develop a serious revolutionary political
alternative to the Provo sell-out and GFA?
The IRSP are now responding to the answers from the SD. The SD has
made no attempt to deal with the IRSP in the response to the
questions. Socialist Democracy is completely out of touch. We had no
discussions around the emergence of The Blanket. As we understand it
The Blanket project arose around a number of ex-Provisional prisoners
who reject the direction the Adams/McGuinness leadership are taking
the Provisional Movement. It is true we have been at many conferences
but at none organised by Fourthwrite. We are not and were not
involved in that project.
As SD did not exist in 1974 who exactly were involved in discussions
with the IRSP? Perhaps John for the sake of historical accuracy could
elaborate?
As regards the very important question of military dominance John is
formally correct. Indeed a number of comrades including Bernadette
McAlliskey walked away from our movement after they lost by one vote
a motion on this very issue at the Ard-Chomhairle. In walking away,
as indeed John's tendency also did, from confronting the whole issue
of the leadership of the anti-imperialist movement Bernadette and
others (including for a time the present writer) made a bad error of
judgement. It was left to others to wage a political struggle against
an increasingly militaristic tendency in the Republican Socialist
Movement. Those who walked away severely weakened the political
tendency and indeed it became almost extinct with the assassinations
of Seamus Costello, Ronnie Bunting, Noel Little and Miriam Daly. But
there were others who fought for socialist, indeed Marxist leadership
of the anti-imperialist struggle. The most prominent of these was Ta
Power, INLA volunteer and Marxist. John jumps from 1975 to 1998 and
simply ignores nearly 30 years of political struggle and dismisses
our whole history with the phrase "no real independent political
theory could arise."
What does this mean? Does it mean that the IRSP had no politics --
that there was no internal debate and that the Republican Socialist
Movement had no politics or political positions? If that is truly
what John thinks then perhaps he has read too much of the gutter
press and not enough of what we have said are saying and will
continue to say.
Has John read the Ta Power Document? It deals exactly with the whole
question of the primacy of politics. Unfortunately for the primacy of
politics Ta was killed and those who retained control of the IRSM
began a process of de-politicisation that culminated in the shame of
a ceasefire declaration from a courtroom dock by a failed and
discredited leadership.
From 1994 a political fight-back led by Gino Gallagher but supported
by class conscious members won the movement back to its core values
and re-asserted the primacy of politics. In the bitter struggle to
achieve that Gino was assassinated. The collective leadership that
emerged then was opposed to the pacification process that began long
before 1994. In reaching our position on the Good Friday Agreement we
had no "help" from the theoreticians from the so-called Marxist left.
Indeed we have no recollection of requests from any of the left
sectarian groups, heavily imbued with static versions Marxist theory,
for meetings for discussions or even critiques of our politics. After
all we claimed to be socialists heavily influenced by Marxism and
were clearly anti-imperialists within our ranks armed volunteers who
saw themselves in the traditions of James Connolly.
Now maybe we read different versions of the Marxist classics but I
don't think that Marx, Lenin, Connolly or Trotsky said that the most
class-conscious revolutionaries should denigrate ignore or belittle
anti–imperialists. Socialist Democracy have made no effort to
convince anti-imperialists the virtue of SD politics or of the value
of Marxism.
Now let us turn to the slanders on our membership that John has
propagated.
1/ We are inside the tent that supports the GFA.
2/ Our position on the GFA is only the view of a few individuals and
not a programme of political opposition.
3/ He implies that the INLA ceasefire was to gain material benefits
for our membership.
We have consistently opposed the GFA and opposed the pacification
programme to weaken the anti-imperialist struggle and have taken our
arguments into as man areas and people as we can. Every Ard-Fheis in
the past 10 years has taken a consistent position in relation to
these matters. The membership has supported that position. Is John
McAnulty seriously suggesting that these members, many of whom have
served many years in imperialist jails, voted for something they did
not understand -- that they are too stupid to understand and have
been bought off by the Brits? The position of the leadership, John,
is the position of the membership and the position of the membership
is the position of the leadership. Attempts to suggest otherwise are
insulting and demeaning to our membership.
We also do not take kindly to the implication of being bought off
coming from a tiny group that has pranced up and down on the
sidelines of the anti-imperialist struggle criticising those who were
actually trying to solve the national question. Have you heard the
phrase "hurler on the ditch," John?
We do not claim to have been always correct or that we have the way,
the truth and the light. We have been our own strongest critics and
internal debate in our movement is healthy and constructive. We have
yet to ascertain how John can say "we are far from sure of the
position of the of the few members of the IRSP we come across on the
two key issues of the GFA and the partnership deals between Irish
capital and the union bosses."
Really, John, read The Starry Plough, read The Plough, visit our
website. That's where you come across our politics not from some
alleged meeting with our membership that did not take place. Don't
confuse casual conversations with serious politics. If you really
want to know what we think get your group to ask for a meeting with
our leadership.
It's always good to talk.
Now to briefly answer the questions John avoided.
"Do you think the IRSP has sorted out the problems that bedevilled it
in the 1980s and into the 1990s (most especially the feuding)?"
Yes absolutely but we do not regard what happened as feuding.
There was a clear agenda to destroy the Republican Socialist Movement
in order to pave the way for the final settlement of the Irish
Question by the imposition of the two state solution along so-called
democratic lines to allow for further penetration by international
capital.
There is a collective leadership and the primacy of politics is
paramount.
"Do you see it as a basically healthy left organisation today?"
We maintain we are. There is a high level of political debate going
on but only John McAnulty can answer that question. To facilitate him
gaining information we are quite prepared to arrange for Socialist
Democracy to meet with five of our rank and file members provided
Socialist Democracy allow us the same access to their membership.
"What is your attitude towards taking some initiative to bringing
together socialist republicans - IRSP, yourselves, Bernadette, the
Blanket/Fourthwrite people (yes, despite their support for the awful
SEA election campaign), at least at the level of some kind of regular
public forum, to try to develop a serious revolutionary political
alternative to the Provo sell-out and GFA?"
We support such moves and have participated in the efforts to reach
some sort of common position. As the largest organisation of those
mentioned we have taken initiatives in the past and been completely
ignored by the rest of the so-called republican socialist left. We
currently work well with all those mentioned and have good fraternal
relations with them. On the doorsteps we know that there is a
yearning for an alternative to the pacification process. We all have
a major job in ensuring that yearning is given concrete expression.
We will play our part in that task.
John Martin
Political Secretary of the IRSP
*******
INTO PRESS STATEMENT
Statement by John Carr, General Secretary, Irish National Teachers'
Organisation, on the OECD Report Education at a Glance 2004
14th September 2004
Time for the Minister to turn sentiment into hard cash.
Since 1995 Irish Gross Domestic Product has grown by seventy percent.
During this period of unparalleled economic growth overall education
spending increased by only forty five percent. Education spending,
like overall public spending, failed to keep pace with our new found
prosperity.
But an examination of what happened during that time within the
education budget shows a massive disparity in spending. Education
spending at primary and second level has increased by only thirty
four percent. At third level spending has increased by more than a
hundred percent.
At primary level we spend E.4, 582 per student per year. At second
level this rises to E.6, 421. At third level the equivalent figure is
E.12, 246. Per pupil spending at primary should be increased by at
least forty percent to bring primary spending in line with second
level.
The overall education budget shows the unfairness of government
spending.
Nearly half of all students (46%) are in primary schools. Government
spends less than a third (32%) of the education budget on these
pupils. Thirty four percent of students are in second level and these
students attract a third of education spending. Only twenty percent
of all students are in third level but government spends a third of
the education budget at this level.
At the other end of the age spectrum Irish enrolment figures and
spending are among the worst of all OECD countries. Countries such as
Denmark,
France, Germany and Norway target at least ten percent of their
budget at early childhood education. Ireland spends nothing.
The INTO welcomes the Minister's admission that Ireland lags well
behind other countries in terms of the amount we spend on education
relative to our overall GDP. His comments that we need to focus on
increasing the resources we allocate to primary education, since this
is the area where our expenditure compares least favourably with many
countries are an honest appraisal of the situation. The challenge for
the Minister and the government is to find the money and spend it
where it is most needed. It is time to turn sentiment into hard cash.
Education at a Glance 2004 shows where Irish primary education
compares favourably with other countries.
Irish seven year olds spend more time than most at lessons. In
Ireland seven year olds receive 915 hours of teaching per year. This
compares with an international high of a thousand hours in Scotland
and a low of 555 hours in Hungary. The average yearly lesson time for
seven year old is 752 hours.
The report also shows other areas where we need to make improvements.
Class Size
On average there are two extra pupils in Irish primary classes
compared to
OECD countries. Average class size in Ireland is 24.2. This figure
hides the range of class sizes that can be found in Irish primary
schools, which can still contain 30 or more pupils. The average
class size in Ireland is higher than the average across OECD
countries where the comparable figure is 21.9. Lowest class sizes
are found in Luxembourg (15.6), Iceland (17.9) and Italy (18.1).
In contrast average class size at second level is 21.4 compared to an
OECD average of 23.6. This is because in most countries the number
of pupils per class tends to increase as children move from primary
to second level, in some states by as many as four students. Only in
Ireland, UK, Denmark, Switzerland and Australia do the class sizes
drop.
When all non-class teaching staff are included (administrative
principals, learning support teachers etc.) Irish staffing levels at
primary are still well below OECD standards. In Ireland there are
19.5 pupils to every teacher while the OECD average is 16.6.
Country Primary Second Level
Australia 24.9 23.6
Austria 20.0 23.8
Belgium (Fr.) 20.0 21.1
Czech Republic 21.3 23.3
Denmark 19.4 19.1
France 22.3 24.1
Germany 22.2 24.6
Greece 17.2 22.9
Hungary 20.5 21.2
Iceland 17.9 19.2
Ireland 24.2 21.4
Italy 18.1 20.7
Japan 28.7 34.2
Korea 35.7 37.3
Luxembourg 15.6 19.9
Mexico 20.6 29.9
Poland 21.1 24.5
Slovak Republic 20.8 23.3
Spain 19.4 24.4
Switzerland 19.7 18.7
United Kingdom 26.0 24.7
Average 21.9 23.6
*******
AMNESTY FOR ALL IMMIGRANTS
The recent referendum on citizenship has created distress in
immigrant communities at the negative attitudes directed toward them.
Their fears were confirmed when an RTE exit poll found that 36
percent of Yes voters thought the country is being exploited by
immigrants?
It is now time to reverse this negative image by recognising positive
contributions that immigrants have made to Irish society. A tangible
way to do this would be to provide an amnesty for immigrants.
During the referendum debate, Justice Minister Michael McDowell said
that when the Citizenship Bill has been passed, we can address the
existing people in Ireland without feeling we are creating
precedents? (Irish Times 14th June 2004).
It is now time to act.
Why an Amnesty?
There are a number of reasons why an amnesty should be granted:
Deportations are costly and traumatic. Special planes are chartered.
People are forcibly removed. Children who have been brought up
speaking English are suddenly uprooted from friends and a familiar
environment and have to learn a new language and a new culture.
11,000 families applied for residency based on having an Irish born
child. Some withdrew applications for asylum on the basis that being
a parent of an Irish child would allow them to stay here.
However, are not the rights of 11,000 Irish children today being
rendered ineffective because their parents can be deported? Why
should one Irish citizen be forced into becoming a ward of the court,
while others have a right to enjoy access to their parent?
Beyond these 11,000 families, there are many more immigrants who have
been in Ireland for a number of years and have found themselves in a
legal limbo. Many of these have made a major contribution to the
Irish economy, whether through working legally or illegally.
However, their illegal status has rendered them open to gross
exploitation. One of the major contributory factors for the Celtic
Tiger was growth in labour participation rates, due, mainly, to
immigrants and women joining the workforce. The number of women
entering the labour force has begun to taper off since 1999,
therefore immigrants are likely a still more important role in the
future.
According to the Irish Labour Market Review, the largest increase in
the medium term in the Irish economy will be in services, which the
labour force is set to rise by 18 percent. It is precisely in these
areas, that many immigrants currently find work.
They should therefore be granted an amnesty so that they can make a
full and open contribution to the Irish economy. Amnesties for
immigrants have been introduced in a number of industrialised
economies. In 1992, Non-EU immigrants to Portugal who had lived there
for six months were granted an amnesty. It was deigned to benefit the
tens of thousands of African who had come from Portugal's former
colonies. Canada introduced an amnesty in 1973 with the approval of
all parties and 39,000 people benefited from it. Most recently, a new
amnesty has been announced to address the needs of the labour market.
Undocumented workers are being given temporary visas and are then
eligible to apply for permanent status after 2 years.
In 1986, the US government offered an amnesty. It is again currently
offering an amnesty programme for the 8 to 11 million illegal
immigrants. It is granting 3-year work visas to previously
undocumented immigrants.
Amnesties have been offered for the simple reason they make sense.
They recognise the reality that many immigrants will stay here
permanently despite the myth that they are only here as guest workers.
Irish people have benefited considerably from amnesty when they were
illegal immigrants. In the 1980s, Bruce Morrison sponsored a Bill for
special visas to be issued to Irish citizens. Almost 50,000 Irish,
many of whom were illegal immigrants, took advantage of the Bill. It
was the official policy of the Irish government to lobby for Irish
illegal immigrants and to seek to have their situation regularised.
Natural justice implies the same situation should pertain here.
The Human Rights Commission and the Irish Bishops conference have
already called openly for an amnesty. It is now vital that other
organisations in Irish society come forward and support this call.
The African Social Forum believes that a broad coalition should be
formed to support the call for an amnesty.
We would therefore like to invite as many groups and individuals as
possible to attend a public meeting for a campaign for Amnesty For
All.
It will take place on Saturday 18th September at 2pm in Liberty Hall,
Eden Quay, Dublin.
African Social Forum:
GLADSTONE OGBONNA; LUKE CHOTO
Tel: 086-3152597
or Joe Carolan
Amnesty for All Campaign:
087 9032281
*******
LETTERS
*
Anti-Racist Network
Dear Comrades,
We have an excellent new website thanks to Michael Scott.
Check it out onhttp://www.arnni.tk/
[From Barbara]
*******
WHAT'S ON
Sunday September 19th
James McPhilemy/Alex Patterson Commemoration in Strabane
2:00 assemble
*
Sat 25 September 2004
St Patrick's Centre, Downpatrick
From 9:30 until 12:00
Political Visions of the Future
Peter Robinson says Yes, Ian Paisley says No, then maybe. John de
Chastelain arrives back in town. The IRA will decommission,
they'll dissolve, they'll disappear.
Facts or fantasies?
With the Leed's Castle Talks about to get under way Community
Dialogue is bringing together four of the people who will run
Northern Ireland if the outcome is successful. They are all MLAs and
the Talks will decide if Northern Ireland is going to be run by our
own Assembly or by Direct Rule Ministers from Britain.
Jim Wells (DUP), Willie Clark (Sinn Fein), Dermot Nesbitt (UUP), and
Margaret Ritchie (SDLP) will come together to debate the issues.
Some of the questions they will address are:
§ Can the DUP and Sinn Fein work together in Government?
§ If so, what changes have to take place first and by whom?
§ Why will this Government be better than Direct Rule?
§ Will the new Government ignore the Community Sector, or will
they treat it on a par with business and farming?
§ If not, how do they think we will get rid of sectarianism and
overcome our divisions?
Community Dialogue are expecting a big crowd at this important
seminar. As always, the main focus will not be on the platform
speakers but on those who attend. They will be asked for their views
and given the opportunity to express them forcefully.
This is an opportunity for the MLAs to listen to the people, and for
the people to listen to the MLAs.
As Northern Ireland faces perhaps its most important political week
since the signing of the Belfast Agreement this seminar could not be
more timely.
For further information contact:
Kay Nellis
Tel: 028 4381 6670
Email: kaynellis@aol.com
*
Saturday September 25th 1-6pm
What sort of anti-racism do we need?
A day of talks and discussion, organised by the WSM, with speakers
from anti-racist and immigrant groups Saturday September 25th 1-6pm,
Teachers Club, 36 Parnell Square, Dublin
A screening of "Holiday Camp" a documentary on the Woomera Asylum
Seeker camp break out will take place from nine in the same venue.
After the passing of the citizenship referendum, nobody can deny that
racial prejudice is widespread in Ireland. Workers Solidarity
Movement members, who were active in the Campaign Against the Racist
Referendum, are hosting this meeting as a contribution to the
discussion about how best to combat racism. Admission is free and
everyone is welcome.
A video Screening of "Holiday Camp" will take place after the 'Ideas
and Action' from nine in the Teachers Club. The pivotal action of
this documentary is the detention centre breakout, which occurred as
part of a five-day long direct action camp established next to the
razor wire fences at Woomera, a detention centre for asylum seekers
in Australia.
Holiday Camp reclaims the voices of the marginalised, and connects
the issues of Indigenous dispossession, genocide, constructions of
race and incarceration policies, which are often portrayed as
unrelated. The film suggests that the policy of mandatory detention
and raising of borders to protect fortresses of privilege make us all
un-free.
1pm Welcome
1:30pm The Origins of Racism. Where does it come from, is it natural,
is it manufactured?
2:15pm Experiences of racism in Ireland today. Immigrant, migrant and
traveller speakers invited.
3:00pm Break.
3:15pm Practical campaigning. Speakers from new initiatives on work
permits and female genital mutilation.
4:00pm Anti Racism. Groups. Residents Against Racism, The Belfast
Anti-Racist Network and the Fascists Out Campaign have been invited
to talk about their aims and activities
4:45pm Break
5:00pm What Sort of Anti-Racism do we need? An open discussion about
the sort of movement we need to build if we are to effectively combat
racism.
9pm A Screening of "Holiday Camp" and Social.
*
30 September 2004
Senate Room, Queen's University Belfast
Queen's University Belfast, The School of Politics and International
Studies, The Centre for the Study of Ethnic Conflict, in conjunction
with the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), present a one
day conference: "Interpreting Ongoing Crises in the Northern Ireland
Peace Process: Civil Society Dimensions."
Speakers include: Professor Rupert Taylor (University of the
Witwatersrand), Dr Feargal Cochrane (Lancaster University), Robin
Wilson (Democratic Dialogue), Dr Christopher Farrington (QUB), Dr
Cathal McCall (QUB), Michael Potter (Training for Women Network),
Roisin McGlone (SICDP), Debbie Watters (Shankill Alternatives), Cllr
Mark Langhammer (Labour Party).
Places will be strictly limited. If interested please contact
Christopher Farrington, School of Politics and International Studies,
Queen’s University Belfast, C.Farrington@qub.ac.uk, 028 9097
3231.
*
Saturday, 9 October 2004
Young Women Talk Participation and Power
Call for Participants and Facilitators To a Young Women's Political
Dialogue
10.30am-3.30pm
St Columb's Park House, 4 Limavady Road, Derry/Londonderry, Northern
Ireland
What it is about:
The event will provide the space for you...
To meet and share your experiences of being a young woman interested
in local and global issues.
To discuss the barriers that prevent you from participating in public
and political activities.
To explore the different methods employed by organizations and
political parties throughout the world to promote the inclusion of
women.
To identify and develop strategies to achieve the full participation
of young women.
To put forward practical proposals to decision makers to achieve this
aim.
Who will be there?
Participants...
Will be aged between 16 and 30.
Will come from minority ethnic communities and the majority
communities.
Will be lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or heterosexual.
Will have a disability or not.
Will have children or not.
Will share an interest or an involvement in political activism,
community work, NGOs, local and global issues.
Female elected representatives who share, listen and want to support
younger women into leadership and decision-making.
What does it cost?
NOTHING -- the event is free of charge and includes lunch. We will
subsidise travel expenses and childcare/care allowance. There is a
bus going from Belfast to Derry/L'Derry.
Are you interested in volunteering your skills to facilitate small
group discussions in the afternoon?
We invite young women who enjoy facilitating discussions and who have
some experience in this to please tick the appropriate box in the
attached registration form. We will get in contact with you for
further information.
Interested in participating?
Please return attached registration form to St Columb's Park House or
contact Charlotte, Tel: 028 7134 3080, Email: ciacox@yahoo.co.uk, or
Carola, Tel: 028 9024 3363, Email: dialogue@womenintopolitics.org.
Programme
10.30am: Registration, Tea and Coffee
11.00am: Welcome by Carola Speth, Women into Politics
11.15am: 'Women in Decision-Making: An Overview of the Situation in
Europe,' Cecile Greboval, European Women's Lobby
11.25am: 'Quotas & Votas: Engender's Role in the 50/50 Campaign,'
Lorna Ahlquist, Engender Scotland
11.35am: 'If you can't see a space for yourself, build one of your
own,' Barbary Cook, Queer Activist
11.45am: Question & Answer Session
12.00 noon: WORKSHOPS
1.15pm: Lunch
2.00pm: Feedback from workshop groups
2.25pm: Discussion and Dialogue, Chair: Susan McReynolds, Presenter
on BBC Radio Foyle
3.25pm: Evaluation and Action Points
3.55pm: Closure by Charlotte Cox, St Columb's Park House
Who we are.
Women into Politics (WiP) is a cross-community project which actively
encourages the full participation of women in public and political
life by providing and promoting dialogue, advocacy and training. WiP
is independent of all political parties and works with women in all
their diversities. The project is based on feminist principles and
grounded in a community development ethos.
St Columb's Park House runs a number of projects promoting peace-
building, political dialogue, active citizenship, political literacy
and human rights. The Political Youth Forums programme brings
together members of political parties and youth wings aged 18-30
from across the UK and the island of Ireland to discuss policy issues
of common concern.
Funded by the Big Lottery Fund, the Community Relations Council NI
via Peace II and Atlantic Philanthropies.
*******
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*
Support the IRSP
Standing Order Form
To the Manager First Trust Bank, Andersonstown.
Please pay First Trust Bank Andersonstown Branch, Belfast, and credit
to Irish Republican Socialist Party, A/C Number 70490021, Branch Code
93-84-75
The sum of:
Amount in words:
Commencing date: and thereafter every month till further notice.
And debiting A/C number:
Name (Please print clearly):
Date:
Address:
Signature:
Sunday 12 September 2004
The Plough Vol 02 No 04
The Plough
Volume 2, Number 4
12 September 2004
E-Mail Newsletter of the Irish Republican Socialist Party
1. Death Threats
2. South Africa: Stop Telkom Retrenchments
3. Anti-Racist Rally
4. White Line Picket
5. Letters
6. What's On
*******
DEATH THREATS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
9 September 2004
Irish Republican Socialist Party
The IRSP condemn outright the recent UDA/RHD death threats against two
voluntary workers in North Belfast, who work tirelessly with the
republican socialist ex-prisoner community.
These men have played a pivotal role in trying to negotiate
non-violent solutions to the interface problems that plague North
Belfast working class communities, through mediation and conflict
resolution procedures. The irony that whilst continuing with their
peace-building efforts, these men have now been placed under threat
from loyalist extremists who resist all attempts to bring progression
to the current situation.
One of the men involved, along with other republican and community
groups, has been actively engaging in discussions with unionist and
loyalist representatives to explore possible solutions to the parades
and interface problems that have been witnessed within North Belfast
these last few years.
These sectarians, masquerading as the UDA/RHD and as protectors of
the Protestant working class, do little to achieve anything other than
death and destruction.
The IRSP recognise that the Protestant working class communities are
as equally plagued by these drug-dealing thugs. Recent attacks that
have been witnessed in North Belfast by these death squads, attempted
abductions of teenagers in Mountainview, the attempted mass murder of
patrons and staff in a local public house, and now the recent spate of
threats against republicans are placing the Republican Socialist
Movement under extreme pressure to respond. The IRSP have urged
caution.
Over the past few months we have been working on the interfaces to
ensure that they didn't explode into an orgy of violence. We have
taken risks in reaching out. As socialists we wish for the unity of
all sections of the working class, but a low level war of attrition is
being waged against a section of our fellow workers. These attacks
must stop now as they damage future prospects of cross-community
co-operation.
STATEMENT ENDS
*******
SOUTH AFRICA: STOP TELKOM RETRENCHMENTS
Telkom workers in South Africa are facing a new wave of retrenchments.
The telecommunications giant plans to shed another 4,181 workers in 3
years, despite its record R4.592 billion profit for the 2004 book year
-- in a country with an unemployment rate of 42%.
In 1999 Telkom employed 61,237 workers. This number has almost been
halved to 31,624 by 30 June 2004. The company is planning a further
30% cut in personnel over the next three years, in order to achieve a
reduction in operating costs from the current 22.6% to 17%.
Meanwhile, Telkom chief executive Siswe Nxasana receives a
remuneration of R11.1 million, which translates to a daily income of
R30,410. Telkom also rewarded its directors with bonuses worth a total
of R48 million for the past year. In 2003 the Telkom Directors
received R60 million.
The three trade unions in Telkom -- the Communication Workers Union,
Solidarity and South African Communication Union have formed a joint
pact to fight these retrenchments.
The lesson from South Africa is that unless a national liberation
struggle transforms its struggle into one of national liberation and
socialism then economic power is simply transferred from one elite to
another while the vast majority of the workers find little change in
their economic or social position.
*******
WHITE LINE PICKET
There was a very successful white line picket on the Falls Road, near
Broadway, Belfast in support of the Palestinian Hunger Strikers.
Tuesday 7th September between 16.30 and 17.30, members of the IRSP
joined with the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign in supporting
Palestinian political prisoners who recently went on hunger strike for
basic human rights in Israeli jails. More than 4000 Palestinian
political prisoners out of 7,500 in Israeli jails supported the hunger
strike begun on August 15th.
They demand improved conditions, the rights to visits from their
families, the right to access to education while in jail. The
Committee for the Families of Palestinian Political Prisoners is
calling for solidarity from the international community to put
pressure on Israel to respect human rights. Leaflets were given out
and many expressed their support for the prisoners. You can help by
writing a letter of support to Palestinian prisoners.
Email palprisoner@yahoo.com or fax to 00 353 1 928 752 8355. These
will be forwarded to the prisoners' families and by joining the
Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign and help us build solidarity for
the Palestinians. You can contact the IPSC at belfastpsc@yahoo.com or
visit our website http://www.ipsc.ie/
*******
ANTI-RACIST RALLY
Despite it absolutely pouring down with rain on Friday 10th September
over 100 persons attended the local South Belfast event. The local
event was held at Shaftsbury Square in South Belfast and saw local
residents joined by representatives of between twenty and thirty
locally based organisations. Community, women's, human and equality
rights organisations, stood shoulder to shoulder with all the main
minority ethnic organisations who where represented from the local
area, trade unionists, community activists and students also showed
solidarity for the South Belfast ARN call to attend.
Despite the horrendous weather, the atmosphere was very spirited with
music and continuous hoots and waves of support from passing cars and
buses as we stood in the centre isle of Shaftsbury Square to highlight
our stand against racism and in solidarity with the minority ethic
communities.
Placards where drawn up by participants in different languages, with
also a huge sign of Say No to Racism drawn up on individual cards,
which was then lined facing onto the Road. The local South Belfast ARN
group is also to host an Anti Racism gig in the very near future in
the locality. So thanks to all who attended.
*******
LETTERS
*
Dear Comrade,
Regarding your article in the Plough (Vol. 2, No. 2) on the campaign
to keep water services in the North of Ireland public, I cannot
emphasise enough the importance of winning this battle. It is the
policy of Blair's government to privatise all public services and the
people of the North will find that they will soon be paying water
charges to Utility companies, whose priority will be enhanced profits
at the expense of those least able to afford it i.e. the working
classes. There will also be a huge decrease in the number of direct
staff and huge amounts of maintenance and other work will be
sub-contracted to private firms whose only reason for existence is
profit.
Here in England we have seen charges rise year on year and "fat cats"
creaming off huge salaries and pensions, all at the expense of the
consumer. This is a matter of record and, if you do not want the same
thing happening in the North of Ireland, it is vital that you do not
lose the battle to keep water public. When the shareholder becomes
more important than the consumer, services suffer and your right to
affordable water and sewage services will become a distant memory.
Yours faithfully,
Frank Ruddy
Preston
*
I'm writing to inform you all of my own personal disgust with any sort
of support for a "FREE PALASTINE" "PALASTINE" in a proper Muslim world
would eradicate the IRSP as well as all enlightened "Western Thought".
Support for suicide bombers who have no care for human life
what-so-ever is at least foolish and quite frankly embarrassing for a
"Socialist" party that in all honesty is riddled with a dreadful drug
trafficking history and so-so Revolutionary Republicanism. Now having
said that I was referring to the INLA. I am intrigued and do support a
Socialist Irish State Free of the hypocrisy of the Catholic Church.
Which brings me back to my point. Organized religion, be it Christian,
Jewish or Islam ALWAYS DIVIDES PEOPLES! Case in point-Northern
Ireland. I support the IRSP and wish them and Republican Seen Fein all
the best. As a "proddy" I do still hope that Northern Ireland remains
British, but honestly the days have been numbered since 1974. The UDA
strikes should have brought the full backing of Westminster but did
not. Socialist parties need to spread the truth about religion
Organized or just blind faith. Religion divides people and drives them
in some clouded mis-guided belief that their own personal actions for
GOD or ALLAH or who ever will give them a life in eternity of peace,
bliss etc. Mate we're all worm food in the end. Keep up the posts with
the Starry Plough. And may Ireland truly be a Socialist bastion one
day. I have no problem learning a bit of Gaelic. Separate that Church
and all churches from political life, including Ian Paisley's poison
he spouts.
Best wishes,
Dustin Ingle
Editor's reply.
Thanks for your letter. You make a number of points. Last week's
Plough Vol. 2, No. 3 gave information about the plight of Palestinian
prisoners and some information of how to express solidarity with them.
At no stage have the IRSP taken a position of support for a Palestine
under Islamic fundamentalist rule nor have we ever expressed our
support for suicide bombers. So we cannot understand your first two
sentences. As regards the backhanded swipe at the INLA with mention of
drug trafficking we have made our position very clear and so has the
INLA. We utterly oppose drug dealing. We have publicly asked for the
evidence of INLA involvement in drug dealing. Journalists who have
made this accusation have refused to meet us and show us their
evidence. No member of the Republican Socialist Movement is in jail
for drug dealing but there are drug dealers who have used the name in
the past. We understand a number who did are now, as you so elegantly
put it, "worm food."
As regards your comments on religion I don't think too many in the
IRSP will disagree with you. The Republic we struggle for is one that
is socialist, secular and respects differences. We hope you can assist
us in that struggle.
JM
*
Dear Editor,
That was a good piece on Torrens. (Plough Vol. 2, No. 3) We should
also remember that this move out of Torrens by some Protestants was
supposedly managed and it has been known at a community level that
this move was on the cards for about 9 months. (I remember discussing
this earlier this year regarding a request from residents to the IRSP
to assist them with forming a community association). There is no
evidence that these families were intimidated, outside the same
anti-social behaviour and low level vandalism that occurs every
weekend in areas like Ardoyne, Cliftonville and the New Lodge. The
manipulation of the media on this point has angered the Cliftonville
community as we had tried to support the residents in Torrens over the
years and certainly the area would not have got a community centre
without the active support of the rest of the community as the
population was so small and basically unsustainable as a single
identity community. The way forward was integration, which was
happening until the same down trodden residents supposedly intimidated
last month intimidated Catholics out of their homes in 1995/96. The
question that no one is asking is; in an area of acute housing need
there are nearly 2000 families on the waiting list, 83% of which are
Catholic. How did these 10 loyalist families prevent the allocation
for over ten years of over 200 houses in the area to those in need?
The focus needs to be on the statutory agencies, in particular the
housing executive who facilitated this discrimination. There are still
a number of Protestant families who wish to remain in the area and the
local community support this, there is an opportunity to allocate
housing on the basis of need and build a community that is based on
needs not sectarianism. I am the community development worker for the
area and we are calling a meeting for next week with the residents to
discus the way forward. The worst thing that could happen is that we
consent to the building of a new ghetto. Lets send out the right
message, pull down the walls not erect new ones.
The unionist community believe that there is a hit list of areas that
will green the north of the city. These include Glenbryn, Lower
Oldpark and Tigers Bay. (DUP / UDA position) All these areas are
suffering from blight and poverty with over 700 empty houses. I am
unaware of any such hit list or intention. But there is very little
doubt that these areas are suffering from official neglect and are
allowed to decay. (A PUP analysis)
Yours,
Pol L.
*******
WHAT'S ON
*
Saturday September 25th 1-6pm
What sort of anti-racism do we need?
A day of talks and discussion, organised by the WSM, with speakers
from anti-racist and immigrant groups Saturday September 25th 1-6pm
Teachers Club, 36 Parnell Square, Dublin
*
30 September 2004
Senate Room, Queen's University Belfast
Queen's University Belfast, The School of Politics and International
Studies, The Centre for the Study of Ethnic Conflict, in conjunction
with the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), present a one
day conference: "Interpreting Ongoing Crises in the Northern Ireland
Peace Process: Civil Society Dimensions."
Speakers include: Professor Rupert Taylor (University of the
Witwatersrand), Dr Feargal Cochrane (Lancaster University), Robin
Wilson (Democratic Dialogue), Dr Christopher Farrington (QUB), Dr
Cathal McCall (QUB), Michael Potter (Training for Women Network),
Roisin McGlone (SICDP), Debbie Watters (Shankill Alternatives), Cllr
Mark Langhammer (Labour Party).
Places will be strictly limited. If interested please contact
Christopher Farrington, School of Politics and International Studies,
Queen’s University Belfast, C.Farrington@qub.ac.uk, 028 9097
3231.
*
Saturday, 9 October 2004
Young Women Talk Participation and Power
Call for Participants and Facilitators To a Young Women's Political
Dialogue
10.30am-3.30pm
St Columb's Park House, 4 Limavady Road, Derry/Londonderry, Northern
Ireland
What it is about:
The event will provide the space for you...
To meet and share your experiences of being a young woman interested
in local and global issues.
To discuss the barriers that prevent you from participating in public
and political activities.
To explore the different methods employed by organizations and
political parties throughout the world to promote the inclusion of
women.
To identify and develop strategies to achieve the full participation
of young women.
To put forward practical proposals to decision makers to achieve this
aim.
Who will be there?
Participants...
Will be aged between 16 and 30.
Will come from minority ethnic communities and the majority
communities.
Will be lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or heterosexual.
Will have a disability or not.
Will have children or not.
Will share an interest or an involvement in political activism,
community work, NGOs, local and global issues.
Female elected representatives who share, listen and want to support
younger women into leadership and decision-making.
What does it cost?
NOTHING -- the event is free of charge and includes lunch. We will
subsidise travel expenses and childcare/care allowance. There is a
bus going from Belfast to Derry/L'Derry.
Are you interested in volunteering your skills to facilitate small
group discussions in the afternoon?
We invite young women who enjoy facilitating discussions and who have
some experience in this to please tick the appropriate box in the
attached registration form. We will get in contact with you for
further information.
Interested in participating?
Please return attached registration form to St Columb's Park House or
contact Charlotte, Tel: 028 7134 3080, Email: ciacox@yahoo.co.uk, or
Carola, Tel: 028 9024 3363, Email: dialogue@womenintopolitics.org.
Programme
10.30am: Registration, Tea and Coffee
11.00am: Welcome by Carola Speth, Women into Politics
11.15am: 'Women in Decision-Making: An Overview of the Situation in
Europe,' Cecile Greboval, European Women's Lobby
11.25am: 'Quotas & Votas: Engender's Role in the 50/50 Campaign,'
Lorna Ahlquist, Engender Scotland
11.35am: 'If you can't see a space for yourself, build one of your
own,' Barbary Cook, Queer Activist
11.45am: Question & Answer Session
12.00 noon: WORKSHOPS
1.15pm: Lunch
2.00pm: Feedback from workshop groups
2.25pm: Discussion and Dialogue, Chair: Susan McReynolds, Presenter
on BBC Radio Foyle
3.25pm: Evaluation and Action Points
3.55pm: Closure by Charlotte Cox, St Columb's Park House
Who we are.
Women into Politics (WiP) is a cross-community project which actively
encourages the full participation of women in public and political
life by providing and promoting dialogue, advocacy and training. WiP
is independent of all political parties and works with women in all
their diversities. The project is based on feminist principles and
grounded in a community development ethos.
St Columb's Park House runs a number of projects promoting peace-
building, political dialogue, active citizenship, political literacy
and human rights. The Political Youth Forums programme brings
together members of political parties and youth wings aged 18-30
from across the UK and the island of Ireland to discuss policy issues
of common concern.
Funded by the Big Lottery Fund, the Community Relations Council NI
via Peace II and Atlantic Philanthropies.
*******
Please feel free to comment on the contents of The Plough. We welcome
political comments and criticisms.
If you know of anybody who might wish to receive The Plough please
send his or her e-mail address to johnmartinps@eircom.net.
If you wish to receive back copies of the The Plough please e-mail
to johnmartinps@eircom.net stating which numbers you wish.
To unsubscribe to The Plough please send e-mail
entitled "unsubscribe" to johnmartinps@eircom.net.
It is the policy of The Plough to acknowledge information and
articles from other sources.
Subscribe to the bi-monthly
"The Starry Plough/An Camchéachta"
P.O. Box 1981, Derry, BT48 8GX, Ireland.
THE VOICE OF REPUBLICAN SOCIALISM!
Email: starry_plough@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.irsm.org/irsp/starryplough/
Fighting Fund/Donations
To: The Starry Plough
First Trust Bank, Derry, BT48 6BU
Account No. 14986015 Sort Code No. 93-86-10
http://www.irsm.org/irsm.html (Pairtí Poblachtach Sóisialach na
h-Éireann)
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http://www.marxists.org/archive/connolly/ (James Connolly Archive)
The Republican Socialist Forum from Derry IRSP
http://rsmforum.proboards23.com/
Republican Socialist Online Merchandise - A website that offers a
central place to go on the Internet to find good quality items with a
distinct Republican Socialist theme. Proceeds from sales from this
effort go towards the IRSM and its various projects.
http://www.angelfire.com/folk/irishshop/
Teach Na Failte Memorial Committees - A new 2004 full colour glossy
calendar is available now on the RSM online shop. It celebrates the
brilliant work undertaken by the Teach Na Failte Memorial Committees
this past year throughout the six counties with full colour
photographs on each page. This calendar can be viewed online by
clicking the link below.
http://www.cafeshops.com/rsmshop.8844526
*
Support the IRSP
Standing Order Form
To the Manager First Trust Bank, Andersonstown.
Please pay First Trust Bank Andersonstown Branch, Belfast, and credit
to Irish Republican Socialist Party, A/C Number 70490021, Branch Code
93-84-75
The sum of:
Amount in words:
Commencing date: and thereafter every month till further notice.
And debiting A/C number:
Name (Please print clearly):
Date:
Address:
Signature:
Volume 2, Number 4
12 September 2004
E-Mail Newsletter of the Irish Republican Socialist Party
1. Death Threats
2. South Africa: Stop Telkom Retrenchments
3. Anti-Racist Rally
4. White Line Picket
5. Letters
6. What's On
*******
DEATH THREATS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
9 September 2004
Irish Republican Socialist Party
The IRSP condemn outright the recent UDA/RHD death threats against two
voluntary workers in North Belfast, who work tirelessly with the
republican socialist ex-prisoner community.
These men have played a pivotal role in trying to negotiate
non-violent solutions to the interface problems that plague North
Belfast working class communities, through mediation and conflict
resolution procedures. The irony that whilst continuing with their
peace-building efforts, these men have now been placed under threat
from loyalist extremists who resist all attempts to bring progression
to the current situation.
One of the men involved, along with other republican and community
groups, has been actively engaging in discussions with unionist and
loyalist representatives to explore possible solutions to the parades
and interface problems that have been witnessed within North Belfast
these last few years.
These sectarians, masquerading as the UDA/RHD and as protectors of
the Protestant working class, do little to achieve anything other than
death and destruction.
The IRSP recognise that the Protestant working class communities are
as equally plagued by these drug-dealing thugs. Recent attacks that
have been witnessed in North Belfast by these death squads, attempted
abductions of teenagers in Mountainview, the attempted mass murder of
patrons and staff in a local public house, and now the recent spate of
threats against republicans are placing the Republican Socialist
Movement under extreme pressure to respond. The IRSP have urged
caution.
Over the past few months we have been working on the interfaces to
ensure that they didn't explode into an orgy of violence. We have
taken risks in reaching out. As socialists we wish for the unity of
all sections of the working class, but a low level war of attrition is
being waged against a section of our fellow workers. These attacks
must stop now as they damage future prospects of cross-community
co-operation.
STATEMENT ENDS
*******
SOUTH AFRICA: STOP TELKOM RETRENCHMENTS
Telkom workers in South Africa are facing a new wave of retrenchments.
The telecommunications giant plans to shed another 4,181 workers in 3
years, despite its record R4.592 billion profit for the 2004 book year
-- in a country with an unemployment rate of 42%.
In 1999 Telkom employed 61,237 workers. This number has almost been
halved to 31,624 by 30 June 2004. The company is planning a further
30% cut in personnel over the next three years, in order to achieve a
reduction in operating costs from the current 22.6% to 17%.
Meanwhile, Telkom chief executive Siswe Nxasana receives a
remuneration of R11.1 million, which translates to a daily income of
R30,410. Telkom also rewarded its directors with bonuses worth a total
of R48 million for the past year. In 2003 the Telkom Directors
received R60 million.
The three trade unions in Telkom -- the Communication Workers Union,
Solidarity and South African Communication Union have formed a joint
pact to fight these retrenchments.
The lesson from South Africa is that unless a national liberation
struggle transforms its struggle into one of national liberation and
socialism then economic power is simply transferred from one elite to
another while the vast majority of the workers find little change in
their economic or social position.
*******
WHITE LINE PICKET
There was a very successful white line picket on the Falls Road, near
Broadway, Belfast in support of the Palestinian Hunger Strikers.
Tuesday 7th September between 16.30 and 17.30, members of the IRSP
joined with the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign in supporting
Palestinian political prisoners who recently went on hunger strike for
basic human rights in Israeli jails. More than 4000 Palestinian
political prisoners out of 7,500 in Israeli jails supported the hunger
strike begun on August 15th.
They demand improved conditions, the rights to visits from their
families, the right to access to education while in jail. The
Committee for the Families of Palestinian Political Prisoners is
calling for solidarity from the international community to put
pressure on Israel to respect human rights. Leaflets were given out
and many expressed their support for the prisoners. You can help by
writing a letter of support to Palestinian prisoners.
Email palprisoner@yahoo.com or fax to 00 353 1 928 752 8355. These
will be forwarded to the prisoners' families and by joining the
Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign and help us build solidarity for
the Palestinians. You can contact the IPSC at belfastpsc@yahoo.com or
visit our website http://www.ipsc.ie/
*******
ANTI-RACIST RALLY
Despite it absolutely pouring down with rain on Friday 10th September
over 100 persons attended the local South Belfast event. The local
event was held at Shaftsbury Square in South Belfast and saw local
residents joined by representatives of between twenty and thirty
locally based organisations. Community, women's, human and equality
rights organisations, stood shoulder to shoulder with all the main
minority ethnic organisations who where represented from the local
area, trade unionists, community activists and students also showed
solidarity for the South Belfast ARN call to attend.
Despite the horrendous weather, the atmosphere was very spirited with
music and continuous hoots and waves of support from passing cars and
buses as we stood in the centre isle of Shaftsbury Square to highlight
our stand against racism and in solidarity with the minority ethic
communities.
Placards where drawn up by participants in different languages, with
also a huge sign of Say No to Racism drawn up on individual cards,
which was then lined facing onto the Road. The local South Belfast ARN
group is also to host an Anti Racism gig in the very near future in
the locality. So thanks to all who attended.
*******
LETTERS
*
Dear Comrade,
Regarding your article in the Plough (Vol. 2, No. 2) on the campaign
to keep water services in the North of Ireland public, I cannot
emphasise enough the importance of winning this battle. It is the
policy of Blair's government to privatise all public services and the
people of the North will find that they will soon be paying water
charges to Utility companies, whose priority will be enhanced profits
at the expense of those least able to afford it i.e. the working
classes. There will also be a huge decrease in the number of direct
staff and huge amounts of maintenance and other work will be
sub-contracted to private firms whose only reason for existence is
profit.
Here in England we have seen charges rise year on year and "fat cats"
creaming off huge salaries and pensions, all at the expense of the
consumer. This is a matter of record and, if you do not want the same
thing happening in the North of Ireland, it is vital that you do not
lose the battle to keep water public. When the shareholder becomes
more important than the consumer, services suffer and your right to
affordable water and sewage services will become a distant memory.
Yours faithfully,
Frank Ruddy
Preston
*
I'm writing to inform you all of my own personal disgust with any sort
of support for a "FREE PALASTINE" "PALASTINE" in a proper Muslim world
would eradicate the IRSP as well as all enlightened "Western Thought".
Support for suicide bombers who have no care for human life
what-so-ever is at least foolish and quite frankly embarrassing for a
"Socialist" party that in all honesty is riddled with a dreadful drug
trafficking history and so-so Revolutionary Republicanism. Now having
said that I was referring to the INLA. I am intrigued and do support a
Socialist Irish State Free of the hypocrisy of the Catholic Church.
Which brings me back to my point. Organized religion, be it Christian,
Jewish or Islam ALWAYS DIVIDES PEOPLES! Case in point-Northern
Ireland. I support the IRSP and wish them and Republican Seen Fein all
the best. As a "proddy" I do still hope that Northern Ireland remains
British, but honestly the days have been numbered since 1974. The UDA
strikes should have brought the full backing of Westminster but did
not. Socialist parties need to spread the truth about religion
Organized or just blind faith. Religion divides people and drives them
in some clouded mis-guided belief that their own personal actions for
GOD or ALLAH or who ever will give them a life in eternity of peace,
bliss etc. Mate we're all worm food in the end. Keep up the posts with
the Starry Plough. And may Ireland truly be a Socialist bastion one
day. I have no problem learning a bit of Gaelic. Separate that Church
and all churches from political life, including Ian Paisley's poison
he spouts.
Best wishes,
Dustin Ingle
Editor's reply.
Thanks for your letter. You make a number of points. Last week's
Plough Vol. 2, No. 3 gave information about the plight of Palestinian
prisoners and some information of how to express solidarity with them.
At no stage have the IRSP taken a position of support for a Palestine
under Islamic fundamentalist rule nor have we ever expressed our
support for suicide bombers. So we cannot understand your first two
sentences. As regards the backhanded swipe at the INLA with mention of
drug trafficking we have made our position very clear and so has the
INLA. We utterly oppose drug dealing. We have publicly asked for the
evidence of INLA involvement in drug dealing. Journalists who have
made this accusation have refused to meet us and show us their
evidence. No member of the Republican Socialist Movement is in jail
for drug dealing but there are drug dealers who have used the name in
the past. We understand a number who did are now, as you so elegantly
put it, "worm food."
As regards your comments on religion I don't think too many in the
IRSP will disagree with you. The Republic we struggle for is one that
is socialist, secular and respects differences. We hope you can assist
us in that struggle.
JM
*
Dear Editor,
That was a good piece on Torrens. (Plough Vol. 2, No. 3) We should
also remember that this move out of Torrens by some Protestants was
supposedly managed and it has been known at a community level that
this move was on the cards for about 9 months. (I remember discussing
this earlier this year regarding a request from residents to the IRSP
to assist them with forming a community association). There is no
evidence that these families were intimidated, outside the same
anti-social behaviour and low level vandalism that occurs every
weekend in areas like Ardoyne, Cliftonville and the New Lodge. The
manipulation of the media on this point has angered the Cliftonville
community as we had tried to support the residents in Torrens over the
years and certainly the area would not have got a community centre
without the active support of the rest of the community as the
population was so small and basically unsustainable as a single
identity community. The way forward was integration, which was
happening until the same down trodden residents supposedly intimidated
last month intimidated Catholics out of their homes in 1995/96. The
question that no one is asking is; in an area of acute housing need
there are nearly 2000 families on the waiting list, 83% of which are
Catholic. How did these 10 loyalist families prevent the allocation
for over ten years of over 200 houses in the area to those in need?
The focus needs to be on the statutory agencies, in particular the
housing executive who facilitated this discrimination. There are still
a number of Protestant families who wish to remain in the area and the
local community support this, there is an opportunity to allocate
housing on the basis of need and build a community that is based on
needs not sectarianism. I am the community development worker for the
area and we are calling a meeting for next week with the residents to
discus the way forward. The worst thing that could happen is that we
consent to the building of a new ghetto. Lets send out the right
message, pull down the walls not erect new ones.
The unionist community believe that there is a hit list of areas that
will green the north of the city. These include Glenbryn, Lower
Oldpark and Tigers Bay. (DUP / UDA position) All these areas are
suffering from blight and poverty with over 700 empty houses. I am
unaware of any such hit list or intention. But there is very little
doubt that these areas are suffering from official neglect and are
allowed to decay. (A PUP analysis)
Yours,
Pol L.
*******
WHAT'S ON
*
Saturday September 25th 1-6pm
What sort of anti-racism do we need?
A day of talks and discussion, organised by the WSM, with speakers
from anti-racist and immigrant groups Saturday September 25th 1-6pm
Teachers Club, 36 Parnell Square, Dublin
*
30 September 2004
Senate Room, Queen's University Belfast
Queen's University Belfast, The School of Politics and International
Studies, The Centre for the Study of Ethnic Conflict, in conjunction
with the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), present a one
day conference: "Interpreting Ongoing Crises in the Northern Ireland
Peace Process: Civil Society Dimensions."
Speakers include: Professor Rupert Taylor (University of the
Witwatersrand), Dr Feargal Cochrane (Lancaster University), Robin
Wilson (Democratic Dialogue), Dr Christopher Farrington (QUB), Dr
Cathal McCall (QUB), Michael Potter (Training for Women Network),
Roisin McGlone (SICDP), Debbie Watters (Shankill Alternatives), Cllr
Mark Langhammer (Labour Party).
Places will be strictly limited. If interested please contact
Christopher Farrington, School of Politics and International Studies,
Queen’s University Belfast, C.Farrington@qub.ac.uk, 028 9097
3231.
*
Saturday, 9 October 2004
Young Women Talk Participation and Power
Call for Participants and Facilitators To a Young Women's Political
Dialogue
10.30am-3.30pm
St Columb's Park House, 4 Limavady Road, Derry/Londonderry, Northern
Ireland
What it is about:
The event will provide the space for you...
To meet and share your experiences of being a young woman interested
in local and global issues.
To discuss the barriers that prevent you from participating in public
and political activities.
To explore the different methods employed by organizations and
political parties throughout the world to promote the inclusion of
women.
To identify and develop strategies to achieve the full participation
of young women.
To put forward practical proposals to decision makers to achieve this
aim.
Who will be there?
Participants...
Will be aged between 16 and 30.
Will come from minority ethnic communities and the majority
communities.
Will be lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or heterosexual.
Will have a disability or not.
Will have children or not.
Will share an interest or an involvement in political activism,
community work, NGOs, local and global issues.
Female elected representatives who share, listen and want to support
younger women into leadership and decision-making.
What does it cost?
NOTHING -- the event is free of charge and includes lunch. We will
subsidise travel expenses and childcare/care allowance. There is a
bus going from Belfast to Derry/L'Derry.
Are you interested in volunteering your skills to facilitate small
group discussions in the afternoon?
We invite young women who enjoy facilitating discussions and who have
some experience in this to please tick the appropriate box in the
attached registration form. We will get in contact with you for
further information.
Interested in participating?
Please return attached registration form to St Columb's Park House or
contact Charlotte, Tel: 028 7134 3080, Email: ciacox@yahoo.co.uk, or
Carola, Tel: 028 9024 3363, Email: dialogue@womenintopolitics.org.
Programme
10.30am: Registration, Tea and Coffee
11.00am: Welcome by Carola Speth, Women into Politics
11.15am: 'Women in Decision-Making: An Overview of the Situation in
Europe,' Cecile Greboval, European Women's Lobby
11.25am: 'Quotas & Votas: Engender's Role in the 50/50 Campaign,'
Lorna Ahlquist, Engender Scotland
11.35am: 'If you can't see a space for yourself, build one of your
own,' Barbary Cook, Queer Activist
11.45am: Question & Answer Session
12.00 noon: WORKSHOPS
1.15pm: Lunch
2.00pm: Feedback from workshop groups
2.25pm: Discussion and Dialogue, Chair: Susan McReynolds, Presenter
on BBC Radio Foyle
3.25pm: Evaluation and Action Points
3.55pm: Closure by Charlotte Cox, St Columb's Park House
Who we are.
Women into Politics (WiP) is a cross-community project which actively
encourages the full participation of women in public and political
life by providing and promoting dialogue, advocacy and training. WiP
is independent of all political parties and works with women in all
their diversities. The project is based on feminist principles and
grounded in a community development ethos.
St Columb's Park House runs a number of projects promoting peace-
building, political dialogue, active citizenship, political literacy
and human rights. The Political Youth Forums programme brings
together members of political parties and youth wings aged 18-30
from across the UK and the island of Ireland to discuss policy issues
of common concern.
Funded by the Big Lottery Fund, the Community Relations Council NI
via Peace II and Atlantic Philanthropies.
*******
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*
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to Irish Republican Socialist Party, A/C Number 70490021, Branch Code
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Sunday 5 September 2004
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