Socialist Party unveils manifesto

by Eamon Mon May 14, 2007 20:01

I just opened the link to the Workers' Party home page and read their document on the North--as I suspected, there was no mention of a 32 county republic of any description. That is because the Workers' party are not, in fact, a republican party or indeed a socialist party.

Yes, as WP member points out, there are some who don't know the difference between nationalism and republicanism.

It strikes me, that there are also some who don't know the difference between a genuinely anti-imperialist position, and one that seeks (as the WP has for over 30 years) to limit itself to a call for a 'Northern Ireland' Bill of Rights.

It is the difference between wanting to bring the state down, and wanting to reform and uphold it.

by recycletta Sun May 13, 2007 17:25

whats your policy on incineration?

by Paul - WP supporter Sun May 13, 2007 17:16

The Workers' Party is as much opposed to unionism as it is opposed to nationalism. It is a socialist republican party which aims at a 32 county socialist republic. But then I suppose some people don't know the difference between nationalism and republicanism. Some even think that republican is a form of extreme nationalism which couldn't be further from the truth.

The Workers' Party is also contesting the elections in six constituencies and it's manifesto will be launched on Tuesday.

by Eamon Fri May 11, 2007 23:57

That would seem to be the message from the SP/CWI election manifesto.

They now have a northern policy indistinguishable from that which we used to see from those old Stalinist-Unionist Stickies of the WP/OIRA. And yet they still have the effrontery to call themselves 'anti-imperialist'. Unbelievable.

by William Wall Fri May 11, 2007 19:35

The fact that the Socialist Party is not engaged in a mad grab for power, and thus not modifying its principles to suit expediency, is actually one of the reasons why I'm going to vote for them. And as Jolly Red Giant says, going into power with Right wing parties simply sucks the Left into their particular brand of para-politics. Better to stand off and build associations and solidarities.

by Jolly Red Giant - Socialist Party/CWI Fri May 11, 2007 18:05

First of all this assumes that you can change anything by going into coalition with right-wing parties. History has amply demonstrated that 'left' parties going into coalition invariably end up implementing right-wing economic policies. This will happen to the Greens or Sinn Fein if they go that route.

Secondly, the purpose of outlining the manifesto is to demonstrate what is possible under a democratically planned economy rather than subjecting working class people to the anarchy of the market.

Thirdly, the Socialist Party use all public elected positions to explain socialist policies and expose right-wing policies. The Socialist Party support any measure that would be of benefit to working class people.

Fourthly, the Socialist Party campaigns side by side with working class people to defend their rights.

Fifthly, taking one example, GAMA, if Mick Murphy and Joe Higgins hadn't been in the position they were in and had the opportunity to use the playtform of the council and the Dail then it is very likely that Turkish workers would still be building roads for the Irish government for €2 per hour.

If the be all and end all of standing for election was to hop into bed with right-wing parties at the first opportunity, we wouldn't bother!

by Moot Fri May 11, 2007 17:54

The SOCIALIST Party have said that they won't join a government that contains Fianna Fail or Fine Gael. Therefore, however laudable all this is, none of it will ever come to pass. You might as well ask my six-year-old what she'd do if she was taoiseach.

This refusal to sully themselves by supporting the mainstram parties effectively makes the socialists completely irrelevant, and confines Joe Higgins to his stand-up comedian role in the Dail, if he gets back in. It also means that anyone from FF or FG who was thinking of giving a trtansfer to the SP should think again.

by Maud Fri May 11, 2007 17:20

Thanks for that, it was difficult to find but its in the manifesto. It puts the SP in the forefront for fighting for a Womans Right To Choose.

WOMEN’S RIGHTS:
Women suffer the worst pay and conditions
and are still paid on average 16% less than
men. The trade unions must take action to
enforce equal pay. Extend paid maternity
leave to 52 weeks. Support the choices of
women with crisis pregnancies including the
provision of abortion facilities through the
health service.

http://www.socialistparty.net/pdf/pdfs/joehigginsmanife...7.pdf

by Sper Fri May 11, 2007 17:12

follow the link, click on Joe Higgins' picture, then click on joe higgins' manifesto PDF version. On the back bage, there is a section on womens' rights

by Maud Gonne Fri May 11, 2007 16:52

I dont see a section on womens rights. Please clarify your position on a Womans Right To Choose. Would you legislate for the X case and would you go beyond that?