Election Candidates - Spot the Difference?

national | miscellaneous | press release Thursday May 28, 2009 20:18 by éirígí PRO - éirígí info at eirigi dot org

Speaking at the launch of éirígí’s Spot the Difference? campaign, party chairperson Brian Leeson said a real alternative to the petty squabbling and rhetoric of Ireland’s main political parties must be built.

éirígí

Speaking at the launch of éirígí’s Spot the Difference? campaign, party chairperson Brian Leeson said a real alternative to the petty squabbling and rhetoric of Ireland’s main political parties must be built.

Leeson said: "Next week, Ireland will go the polls once again. The choice of candidates given to the electorate north and south leaves a lot to be desired.

"The politicians in Leinster House and Stormont have churned out right-wing budgets and legislation, bailed out the fat cat bankers and business class and consistently failed those they claim to represent.

"The same parties are looking for a mandate to spend another five years on the Brussels gravy-train while Ireland sinks.

"The same parties are asking for your vote in local council elections and by-elections.

"The time is right for real, radical change. Ireland, the rest of Europe and the whole world is facing the greatest economic crisis in decades.

“Despite the fact that capitalism created this mess, Ireland’s biggest political parties and those who are asking for your vote remain totally committed to the capitalist system. How can the cause of this social and economic sickness also be the cure?

"In the North, Britain continues its occupation, with the prospect of a withdrawal now shunted off the mainstream agenda. All of the main political parties now support or accept the British occupation. None of them are doing anything practical to bring about Irish freedom.

Leeson continued: "Where are the real alternatives? The real alternative, in terms of ideology, campaigns and commitment is éirígí.

“éirigí is committed to ending the British occupation of the Six Counties and the establishment of a 32-county democratic socialist republic.”

Leeson concluded: “Anyone who wants to see radical, meaningful change in Irish society shouldn’t waste their time by voting for any of the establishment parties next week. There are plenty of better options available. Become active in trade unionism, get involved in the every-day struggles of your community or join éirígí. This is where real change will come from – from working class people taking control of their lives, their workplaces, their communities and, ultimately, their country.”