June 2006 issue of The Socialist (#17) now online

by Patrique - nipsa Thu Jun 15, 2006 00:25

I could be missing something here but I thought NIPSA had a united left, called Time for Change, whom I assumed supported left wing candidates in elections.

Sad news about the Political Fund, didn't know the result had been announced. I must make an effort to convince our branch to support this next year, but, hardly surprising some of you may think, many of them don't listen to a word I say. One of the pitfalls if you have thinking members, you have to listen to what they say.

by stroppy Thu Jun 15, 2006 01:00

Funny where stories about political funds for NIPSA turn up. A cynic might believe that it is a very important issue for the Socialist Party because they are not really interested in defeating the non existent threat of the BNP but want to use NIPSAs name and resources to promote their own political ends. As most of the speakers at Conference asking for a political fund were members of the Socialist party it seems likely they will be back again next year despite the fact that Conference has thrown this motion out numerous times. A cynic might believe that if this motion is ever passed that the BNP will be a fleeting fancy and the drive will be to urge NIPSA to support a political party that backs some of the emotive issues at Conference or a party who believes in socialism. Who could argue with using a NIPSA political fund to support a party which believes in socialism? NIPSA might be asked to support the policies of a political party with Socialist in its name again who could complain. The problem arises with those who claim the mantle of socialism for instance Bertie Ahern recently discovered he is a socialist. Do NIPSA then argue for Fianna Fail to organise in the Six Counties? Strange things are happening Michael Mc Dowell recently announced he is a republican so its possible Enda Kenny could declare himself and Fine Gael to be socialists even Pat Rabbitte might want to jump on the socialist bandwagon. Where will it all end David Cameron or George Bush ? The Socialist Party could find themselves getting squeezed out and their master plan to get enough votes to actually get one of their members elected onto a council locally might be thwarted.

by not above the parapet Thu Jun 15, 2006 10:04

Interesting to see the vote on political funds was lost, even more interesting to read it here. Seems the SP has access to facts & figures denied a NIPSA branch secretary, but hey a branch secretary is only elected by the members to serve the members.
seems as regards getting information all are equal, but some are more equal than others

by a - nipsa Thu Jun 15, 2006 10:14

get The Socialist:)

by Davy Mon Jun 19, 2006 19:14

Can someone from any of these groups confirm/deny/explain the excerpt from the Socialist below?

'However, the right-wing leadership of ICTU were supported by several parties and organisations who argued that the Coalition should not support mass non-payment. These included the Workers Party, Communist Party of Ireland, Irish Socialist Network, Campaign Against Water Privatisation, Belfast Trades Council, Unison and others.'

by Davy Carlin Mon Jun 19, 2006 20:29

-but I am sure other activists would be interested in seeking an explanation from such organisations as to the reasoning of such, and their stance.