The CWI in Ireland (South)
| name | Socialist Party |
| address | Socialist Party, 141 Thomas Street, Dublin 8, Ireland |
| telephone | ++ 353 1 6772686 |
| info@socialistparty.net | |
| web site | www.socialistparty.net |
The political, economic and social situation in Southern Ireland reflects the main trends internationally but also has a number of its own specific features.
Having been for years the 'sick man of Europe' or as the Economist called it 'the poorest of the rich' with mass unemployment and emigration, Ireland has experienced an exceptional boom in the last decade, similar in many respects to the Asian Tigers. However far from fundamentally stabilising the capitalist system, the boom has altered social attitudes and for many people has exposed the inequalities and class nature of society. The Socialist Party has emerged as a serious force in Irish politics in this context.
Water Charges victory and breakthrough on the left
We changed our name from Militant Labour and re-launched ourselves in late 1996 having just successfully led a mass movement that defeated water charges which were a form of double local taxation. This was a campaign of civil disobedience and was based in the suburbs of Dublin. Under our leadership the Federation of Dublin Anti-Water Charges Campaigns, organised mass non-payment of 70,000 households incorporating over a quarter of a million people. Because we made water charges politically unacceptable, Ireland now is the only country in the OECD which has an exemption from charging for domestic water supply. On the strength of this work Joe Higgins was elected to the Dail in the 1997 General Election as our first representative. Through his performance in the Dail, Joe is seen by many people as being the real opposition and the only representative of working class people. This has given the Socialist Party a very significant national profile and a pivotal position on the left. The Socialist Party has built on this position and at the last local elections, Clare Daly, a party member and a leading shop steward at Dublin Airport was elected councillor in Dublin North.
Economic Inequality
The boom is lopsided in favour of big business. Profits soared while wages were kept in check by the union leadership through a policy of 'social partnership'. With inflation between 5-7%, anger about pay boiled over recently in a number of very important strikes. In general the government and bosses have been forced to make significant concessions, particularly given the shortage of labour.
Corruption
Over the same period the different wings of the capitalist establishment have been embroiled in scandal after scandal, which has given on occasions a very sharp edge to the anger that exists. Even the tame tribunals which have been established have exposed widespread systematic corruption. Politicians have accepted millions of pounds in personal contributions for favours for big business, particularly in planning and land re-zoning. The major banks have facilitated huge tax evasion through illegal off shore accounts. The list is endless including a disgusting cover-up of the distribution of contaminated blood products to thousands of patients.
Sinking roots nationally
This situation has given our party significant opportunities to build its influence and membership. From being a party primarily based in Dublin and Cork, we have expanded throughout the country and have branches in Drogheda, Wexford, Limerick, Galway, Letterkenny and Sligo. In south Dublin, Limerick and Drogheda we have played a key role in fighting a new refuse tax.
Electoral challenge
We have a real base in a number of communities and have been able to reflect this in the votes we received in the last general and local elections. We are expecting a general election this summer and will stand in up to eight of the forty one constituencies. We have a serious fighting chance of getting our councillor in Dublin North, Clare Daly, elected as our seconded representative in the Dail. We aim to have a whole number of councillors elected throughout the country in the next local elections due in 2004.
Transforming the unions
Ten years ago the workforce was 1.1 million, now it stands at 1.8 million and Ireland is experiencing significant net immigration. Work in the unions is very important. The 'social partnership' deal which exists now is essentially a deal to hold back wages in the public service while allowing changes to work practices and conditions. We have very important positions in many workplaces and unions but of strategic importance now is our leading positions in the Civil and Public Service Union, which organises young low paid civil servants. We have assisted the organisation of the left in this union to such an extent that they are currently balloting for industrial action around a 20% wage claim which if it happens would be a serious challenge to the union bureaucracy's deal. Party member Denis Keane is currently President of the CPSU.
Racism and the launch of Socialist Youth
We established Socialist Youth as the youth wing of the party in 2000. Socialist Youth is linked to the party but has also its own separate structures where young people can become involved in politics and campaigns in a good atmosphere. At the moment SY is in the process of being established and the response is very good, particularly among school students. Recent activities have included the exposing of McDonald's work practices and fighting against the forced deportations of asylum seekers and immigrants which has come to the fore in the last year. The party has played an important role in combating the growth of anti-refugee sentiment amongst a layer of working class people. We have outlined the persecution and economic destitution that refugees are fleeing from but in particular have attempted to discuss with working class people that they are not in competition with refugees for scare resources, that in fact there is a need for united action against the government to demand decent homes and services for all regardless of race or colour. This work is very important. A whole number of refugees, particularly Nigerians, have joined the party. The party and Socialist Youth can play a very important role in combating the potential growth of racism or far right groups, particularly in the context of an ending of the boom which is likely over the next period.
Conclusion
Through clear policies and hard work the Socialist Party in southern Ireland has put itself in a strong position to become the focal point around which a serious socialist challenge against capitalism will be waged in the years ahead.
