A resignation from the IAWM steering committee

national | anti-war / imperialism | news report Monday February 16, 2004 02:39 by Fintan Lane - Chairperson, Cork Anti-War Campaign corkantiwar at hotmail dot com 087 1258325

LETTER TO MEMBERS OF IAWM STEERING COMMITTEE, 16/2/04

Dear Friends,

This is to let you know that I am stepping down as PRO of the IAWM, and resigning from the steering committee. This is effective immediately.

My reasons are many, but the short version is that I have not found it a very positive experience and am particularly concerned about some of things that have happened in recent weeks. The January 31st meeting was a disaster and the attempt to blame one side was most unhelpful and short-sighted. The decision with regard to Shannon demonstrations was a serious mistake, and the fact that it was carried almost entirely by the votes of one political party is a matter of some concern to me - it certainly indicates that the rank-and-file membership of the IAWM in Dublin, and elsewhere, has completely collapsed.

More immediately, I was very surprised to hear today that both Laurence Vize and Mick O'Sullivan have effectively been expelled from the SC. I say 'expelled' because a three month suspension, when an AGM is planned for May, is exactly that. This severe measure was taken without prior notification to the other members of the SC, and I fail to see why it wasn't on the agenda circulated to the SC prior to the meeting. In my opinion, a motion of censure would have been more appropriate in light of their behaviour at the meeting on January 31st. To expel two members of the SC with the votes of only six members seems wrong.

However, please don't misunderstand me, my resignation results from wider difficulties that exist within the IAWM and that I do not see being resolved. The expulsions of Laurence and Mick are simply indicative of a more generalised dysfunction within the organisation. Whatever happened to conflict resolution?

I'm aware that the SC is made up of many good people and I wish you the best. I believe, however, that it would be more productive for me to put my time and energy into the Cork Anti-War Campaign rather than the SC of the IAWM.

With warmest regards,

Fintan Lane