People before profit alliance: Time for a real alternative

national | rights, freedoms and repression | press release

Friday August 25, 2006 14:43

by rory hearne - people before profit alliance

People Before Profit: time for a real alternative

For information on People Before Profit Alliance contact:

Rory Hearne, PRO People Before Profit Alliance 086 1523542
Ailbhe Smith, Chair, People Before Profit Alliance 087 2055433

The People Before Profit Alliance was established in October 2005 by workers from a variety of local campaigns. Its aim is to reverse neo-liberal policies which place wealth creation for the few over the welfare of communities in Ireland. The Alliance represents a different form of politics, fitting for the 21st century. It sees 'people power' and the mobilisation of citizens in workplaces, communities and on the streets as the key to bringing change in society.
We believe that the time has come in Ireland for the formation of a real alternative to the political establishment and big parties. This is because there is a cosy consensus relating to policy and perspectives amongst the main parties, much of the media and the state establishment. People Before Profit believes that there are hundreds of thousands of people who are completely alienated from politics, who have not benefited from the Celtic Tiger and who want real change now.

The People Before Profit Alliance is holding a public information day in a number of cities around the country this Saturday, August 26th. We are taking to the streets to talk to people about the People Before Profit Alliance, the issues we are campaigning on and to listen to what issues are affecting people.

The People Before Profit Alliance is campaigning for:

· People Power as the alternative: we believe that real change is brought about when people take action themselves. We support the Shell to Sea Campaign, the Irish Anti-War Movement, the Anti-Bin Tax Campaign, Justice for the Stardust Victims, Trade Unions when they take strikes and action for better conditions for workers

· Support for local campaigns over public services, quality of life, development and planning issues.

For example in conjunction with Arklow Rock Preservation Association People Before Profit Alliance Wicklow recently staged a picket outside County Buildings, Headquarters of Wicklow County Council in protest against talks which were held in secret between senior management of Wicklow County Council and Roadstone Ltd who propose to demolish the prominent headland known as Arklow Rock for quarrying purposes. They are collecting a public petition in Arklow in support of the provision of a paediatric accident and emergency unit and outreach centre at Loughlinstown Hospital.
On Monday 28th August PB4P(Wicklow)in conjunction with Arklow Rock Preservation Association will hold a public meeting in the Arklow Bay Hotel at 8.00pm at which the speakers will include Dr. Colman Etchingham, Carmel Mc Kenna, Cllr. Tommy Cullen.

· We are supporting the anti-war protest on September 23rd. We are calling for an end to Irish complicity with war, US troops out of Shannon and an end to occupation. Ireland should stand up for the occupied people of the Lebanon, Iraq and Palestine. We oppose the on-going demonisation of Muslims. It is the US & Israel’s war crimes in the Middle East that are fuelling terror.

· Properly funded public services paid for by a substantial increase in tax on the wealthy and corporate profits. The nationalisation of the natural resources of Ireland so the benefits go to the people of Ireland not corporate profits.
· An end to exploitation of migrants and discrimination against ethnic minorities
· A radical alternative to the establishment political parties, that represents working people and all those currently alienated by the consensus politics that prioritises the needs of corporations, developers, and the wealthy elite over the needs of workers, local communities and ordinary people. People Before Profit is currently standing three candidates in the election. We believe electoral unity with others with similar policies will realise our aims sooner.

Dun Laoghaire candidate: Richard Boyd Barrett
Wicklow Candidate: Carmel McKenna
Ballyfermot Candidate: Brid Smith

We are looking to unite with other groups, political organizations, campaigns, and unions who want to create an Ireland and a world based on what people need not driven by the logic of profit and war.

www.people-before-profit.org
people_beforeprofit@yahoo.ie

Local Groups:
Artane Contact 085 7209654
Ballyfermot Contact 01 4560619
Dun Laoghaire Contact 0879794115
Dublin South East 086 1523542
Cork Contact 086 8714665
Galway Contact: 086 3366525
Mayo (Davitt League) 087 9591474
Wicklow Contact: 087 8755497