Vote for Derwin!
national |
politics / elections |
press release 
Wednesday October 29, 2003 19:39
by Stephen Lewis - Irish Socialist Network
Irish Socialist Network call on SIPTU members to vote for Des Derwin.
Irish Socialist Network call on SIPTU members to vote for Des Derwin.
The ISN is calling to all Anti Partnership SIPTU members to rally in support of Des Derwin in his candidacy for the position of vice president of SIPTU. Des is a true example of a committed grassroots activist and we have no hesitation in offering our support to his campaign.
Des, a radical socialist, has a history in engaging in trade union activism and solidarity and his election will be a blow to the Partnership process that has neutered the Trade Union movement for years. His profile amongst his fellow TU members has given him the base necessary for any contender representing a progressive alternative to Partnership.
The ISN call on all other progressive organisations to rally to Des's campaign as a possible basis for greater left unity at grassroots level.
Stephen Lewis
ISN
Comments (9 of 9)
Jump To Comment: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9With that he's home and dry eh Steve?
Des can always rely on all the SIPTU workers that look at this site.
I am unfamiliar with the Irish Socialist Network. Have you any details Stephen or anyone else? Any web site?
The Irish Socialist Network was formed in 2001, to provide a space for those radical socialists who rejected both authoritarian and reformist distortions of socialism. We attribute particular importance to engaging in the correct balance of theoretical debate, regular campaigning and direct action based on class politics. The internal structure of our organisation is participatory, non-hierarchical and democratic.
Left cooperation and the creation of a viable alliance of radical left forces in Ireland is a major priority for the Irish Socialist Network.
We have engaged in ongoing dialogue and joint activities with other left organisations to promote cooperation and to break down sectarian attitudes.
The Irish Socialist Network advocates the creation of a socialist society in all parts of Ireland. Promotion of class struggle and
working class unity in Northern Ireland is an essential part of this struggle. We view sectarianism as a major obstacle to this goal, although we recognise the uneven nature of this phenomena.
Over the last year members of the Network have been extremely active in various campaigns including the following:
We work with the two major anti-war movements in Ireland, the IAWM and the GNAW. As part of our anti-war activism, Network members have been involved in both direct action and organising mass protest.
Two members of the Irish Socialist Network, along with other activists, were brought before the High Court in December 2002 for engaging in disruptive action in solidarity with the striking Cityjet workers at Dublin Airport.
During the Nice Treaty referendum campaign we campaigned for a No vote along with other independent socialists and through the broad left Alliance Against Nice.
Members of the Network are currently involved, at a local level, in the anti-bin charges campaign. Two members were amongst nine sent to jail for civil disobedience in the Finlglas area
Leftline, the newsletter of the Network is published on a quarterly basis. We have recently published a pamphlet on the Social Partnership as a resource for trade union and community activists opposed to the corporatist Partnership system. We also published a pamphlet based on a talk given by Aindrias O Cathasaigh which was intended to serve as a basic introduction to Marx's thought, a stimulus to discussion rather than a definitive exposition of the many issues raised by Marxist theory and practice.
Founding principles of the Irish Socialist Network
The Irish Socialist Network is a radical democratic socialist organisation, committed to the complete abolition of capitalism and its replacement by a socialist society, by which we mean:
· A transformation of power relationships leading to democratic control of all aspects of society and an end to elite rule.
· Collective ownership and democratic control of all economic structures, wealth and resources, by the working class.
· Equality of all people and an end to all forms of privilege and discrimination.
· Vindication of all human rights; social, political and individual.
· A sustainable society developing in harmony with the natural environment.
The Irish Socialist Network will work to achieve this society on the basis of the following principles:
· Change is brought about by the empowerment of ordinary people not by a revolutionary vanguard or parliamentary
elite.
· Openness, equality, internal democracy, consistent activism and a commitment to class politics are essential traits of a socialist organisation.
· Non-dogmatic Marxist thought is essential for analysing society and advancing the struggle for socialism.
· While acknowledging differences we will work in a non-sectarian manner with, and promote dialogue between, all socialist and progressive organisations.
· A key component of socialism is internationalism. The struggle for justice, equality and defence of the environment
is global.
Irish Socialist Network contacts: Tel: 00-353-87-9487554, email: irishsocialistnetwork@dublin.ie
Their pamphlet on social partnership is excellent btw. Makes the key arguments, backs them up with facts and, unlike standard Trot publications on the subject, is readable.
Well done those chaps.
.
Good to see the genuine activists are supporting Derwin and not the SWP oppurtunists
Is it possible to see a copy of leftline on the internet or have it emailed or even mailed as I'm not in the country at the moment, thanks
Email our address and I'll try to send you on copies.
Indymedia Ireland is a media collective. We are independent volunteer citizen journalists producing and distributing the authentic voices of the people. Indymedia Ireland is an open news project where anyone can post their own news, comment, videos or photos about Ireland or related matters.