LEF T TRIBUNE
THE MAGAZINE OF LABOUR YOUTH IN IRELAND
Pow!
VOL 3 ISSUE III 2008
Zapp!
Bam! Here Comes
Obama Man
Also in this Issue >>>>
Free Fees Campaign, $hell 2 Sea, Same Sex Marriage, Super Prison @ Thornton Hall, Afghanistan, David Norris for President >>>>>
2
The Left Tribune
Making the Right Choice With the economic downturn the government were quick to suggest cost cutting measures aimed at our educational institutions. Hinting very strongly that there may be a reintroduction of university and college fees, the Fianna Fail/Green government are quite simply using this opportunity to push their own agenda. Under the guise of saving the economy and thus Ireland, the FF/Green government have found the excuse they have been searching for and university and college Presidents/ Provosts are doing little to discourage the government. They are in fact rubbing their hands with glee at the thought of charging every student upwards of €3000 per year. Left Tribune is the magazine of Labour Youth in Ireland. We operate on the basis of a sustainable and democratic socialist ethos. As such, Left Tribune is printed on paper which is 50% recycled and 50% from sustainable forests. If you are finished reading, we would ask that you pass this issue on to someone else - or recycle it. All articles are copyleft - this means that we encourage the sharing of these articles and anyone is free to reproduce them. However we would ask that in the interests of those who took their time to write and edit this publication, that you would contact us at the details below to let us know if you are doing so. We welcome articles and comments from all readers to lycommunications@labour.ie The opinions expressed in Left Tribune are those of its contributors and are not necessarily the policies or views of Labour Youth or the Labour Party.
Editorial Staff Editor: Christina Mc Sorley Deputy Editor: Laura Buttigieg Contributors: Padraic Lamb, Gary Honer, Eoghan Fox, Laura Buttigieg, Paul Dillon, Paul Mulville, James Humphrys, David Kitching, Daragh McGreal, Conor Tanam, Adnan Khan, Fintain Hastings, Colum Lawless, Seamus De Faoite, Cian O’Callaghan and Neil Ward. With thanks to: Cian ‘the legend’ O'Callaghan Printed by: Grehan Print, Brunswick House, Dublin 2
Yet, this is the time our government should be investing more and more in Irish education, and it will be down to future, current and past students stop the government in its tracks. So, keep an eye out for proposed legislation and start writing to the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) demanding that they run a strong campaign against the reintroduction of fees and write to your local TD's and Cllr's telling them that 'cost cutting' in education is unacceptable and very damaging in the long run. Very recently Labour Youth joined the demonstration outside the WRC on Upper Dorset Street. The WRC is a rouge crisis pregnancy agency operating under false pretences and ultimately putting women's life in danger. It has been in operation for over a decade under different names but the practice remains the same. Nearly all other crisis pregnancy agencies offer non-directive counselling. Non-directive means offering support for the client encouraging them to come to their own definite decision. WRC bully women away from considering terminations and playing on fears, tell them that abortion causes caner, depression, suicide, promiscuity, and infertility and ultimately impeding their ability to make an informed choice. The WRC have also been known to inform family members without consent that a woman is pregnant and may be considering an abortion, giving a woman's contact details to priests who then approach and intimidate women, and posing as a boyfriend to try and persuade a clinic to cancel an appointment for abortion. The WRC (or whatever name they choose to operate under) must be stopped. The only way to protect ourselves from rouge agencies is through government regulation of all groups that offer care and support. Whether we support free safe and legal abortion is irrelevant. Women should have access to unbiased information free from torment and intimidation. The only right choice is an informed choice. For more information check out www.choiceireland.blogspot.com
Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 10 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20
Contents
The Glastonbury Beat Shell 2 Sea Free Fees Campaign Tom Johnson revisited Rising Food Prices Votes @ 16 Obama-Mania! Swing to the Conservatives in the UK Super-Prison @ Thornton Hall Afghanistan in Focus Labour in the West The Revival of the Irish Language David Norris for President! Cian O’Callaghan under the LT spotlight Same-Sex Marriage; Not Good Enough!
The Beat Goes On...
The Left Tribune
3
Laura Buttigieg explores why there's more to Glastonbury than mud, music and cider. The tag line for Glastonbury this year was "Love the farmLeave no trace." Despite this, the thousands of revellers who attended the festival probably did leave some trace behind on the fields of Worthy Farm, but perhaps Glastonbury left a deeper, more lasting mark on them, and I'm not talking hangovers, or dried in mud.
always had a special place at Glastonbury. Most of the bars are run by the Workers' Beer Company (a fact easily betrayed by many of the names such as the 'Solidarity Bar') and the Left Field Stage has for many years provided a centre for social justice campaigns with its combination of musicians and political speakers.
From its beginning Glastonbury has been a supporter of hundreds of campaigns and causes. Since 2000 alone, the festival has raised more than ÂŁ11 million for charities around the world. Most of the staff are unpaid volunteers, working to raise money for their organisations.
The Levellers' performance on Thursday night attracted thousands of early arrivers to the festival despite the torrential rain. The Miscarriages of Justice Organisation and Rock Against Racism welcomed big audiences on Friday and Saturday night, and Tony Benn as always spoke to a big crowd on Sunday afternoon. As Electric Picnic continues to grow, I can't help hoping that one day we will be able to hold something similar there.
The three main charities, Oxfam, Greenpeace and Water Aid have an extremely strong presence; in between every act, the massive screens along side the stages show messages designed to raise awareness of big campaigns like "Make Trade Fair" and "Drop the Debt." With activists everywhere, it's virtually impossible for anyone to go the whole weekend without signing at least one petition or learning more about at least one cause. Many of the organisations at Glastonbury are incredibly inspiring and have a huge impact on festival goers. The Little Burmese Tea Shop recreated the Burmese tradition of discussing politics over a cup of tea. Sadly, in the country itself this simple pastime we often take for granted is enough to land its people in jail. Many of the volunteers running the teashop were one time political prisoners of the military junta currently in command. They bravely shared their moving stories with visitors and would have inspired anyone to take a stand against the injustices Burma's people face. Perhaps the one thing people moan about at festivals are the toilets. Water Aid raised awareness with their "I Love My Loo" campaign that over 2.6 billion people world wide have no safe, sanitary place to go, putting using the portaloos well into perspective. Living in a tent, walking across the campsite for water and facilities for just one weekend reminds people how lucky they are in comparison to a large percentage of the world's population, and encourages festival goers to lend their support to Water Aid's campaigns. Left wing politics and the Trade Union movement have
At the heart of Glastonbury is a real sense of community spirit; one that extents well beyond caring about the people in the next tent or the field you're standing in. As sentimental as it sounds, it has not lost its hippy roots. Glastonbury is an opportunity for people to be who they really are and act as they really want to. For some that is simply the chance to wear outrageous clothing or carry around their life-size zebra for the weekend. For others it is a chance to stop and take in what's really going on in the world and try to do something to help.
Since 2000 alone, the festival has raised more than ÂŁ11 million for charities around the world
If you want to become an active campaigner, there is no better place to start than Glastonbury where information on campaigns from Killer Coke to Climate Camp are just around the corner. While some people will go home and drop their new found interest in politics, the environment, and ending world poverty as soon as they wash off the mud and bin the purple wig, most will take away a greater sense of being a part of a world wide community and will act on it. Long after the final notes have died out and the last tent has been packed away, the Glastonbury festival continues to leave a positive mark on the world around it.
4
SEND $HELL TO SEA
The Left Tribune
Eoghan Fox, Labour Youth, calls on the Labour Party to show bravery and leadership and help send $hell to Sea Reliance on fossil fuels will exist for some time yet, at least until we radicalise our policy with regard to renewable energy. We need to ensure this energy is generated for the benefit of the people of the world instead of a mechanism for a new market niche.
Something as small as a hairline crack in the pipeline buried 1m deep, could cause a devastating explosion
Special Areas of Conservation (S.A.C's) still remain under a consistent threat from the building of a high pressure pipeline of 120bar (conservative figure) operating pressure, particularly on such unstable bog land. Evidence of this instability can be seen from the landslide in Glengad/ Pullathomas in 2003, which had disastrous consequences on the local environment as well as wiping a large portion of the graveyard into the sea.. The building of such an experimental refinery and connecting pipeline on shore will seriously endanger the lives of the local residents. Something as small as a hairline crack in the pipeline buried 1m deep, could cause a devastating explosion. In June/July of last year a notice was
Ring of steel at Glengad Public beach www.LabourYouth.ie
served on Rossport Solidarity Camp by Mayo County Council, sighting a court ordered eviction and dismantling of the camp on environmental grounds.
The Camp existed to provide food and shelter for the many people who travelled long distances to protest against the Corrib Gas project, but was also responsible for the preservation of S.A.C.'s, and the prevention of experimental and illegal works carried out on behalf of Shell, in the Broadhaven Bay area. This is yet another astounding example of the hypocrisy surrounding this project. The Irish people will see no benefit to the present deal negotiated and promoted by successive Fianna Fail governments. Shareholders in Shell, already $ billion’s a year profit corpo-
The one time committed Greens now share common goals with those who sold off the Corrib Gas field
ration, are set to see their profit margins benefit from the exploitation of the Corrib Gas field. Many changes have occurred during the last year in the campaign. The one time committed Greens now share common goals with those who sold off the Corrib Gas field. Court cases have been won and lost, and there now exists the possibility once again of peaceful protestors facing lengthy stints in our prisons. During the disgraceful deal negotiated by Ray Burke, Bertie Ahern, Frank Fahey and others, Dick Spring described the selling off of our possible oil and gas resources as "…an act of economic treason." The Labour Party, now more than ever, needs to show bravery and leadership in
Fishermen protested in solidarity with Shell to Sea
declaring that the resources of these islands belong to the people, not the profiteers and speculators on the world commodity markets. While there may have been a slowdown in progressive action in the campaign, there remains a united opposition to the Shell led project, both in the community and the broader Shell to Sea campaign. This summer The Erris Inshore Fishermen are taking action by refusing to cooperate with the Shell contractors, in full solidarity with the Shell to Sea campaign. Even though Shell have yet to receive permission or a licence for the pipeline on land they are continuing to work at sea and shore, arrogantly pre-empting the decision of the planning boards. Labour Youth continue to call for fair and beneficiary terms for the Irish people, for the safest and cleanest possible method of gas extraction to be employed, and for the natural resources of these islands to be used to create an equal society. To quote Michael D in a speech he gave outside the main gate of the refinery site in 2006: "The resources of this planet need to be used responsibly for all the people of this planet. The resources of Ireland belong to the people of Ireland…" The struggle continues…
Education Is a Right! The Left Tribune
5
Labour Youth Campaigns Officer, Gary Honer, writes that equality of access to third level education should not be allowed to be undermined by Fianna Fail Now I know why they call August the "Silly Season". It was a cold damp Monday morning (just like everyday this so-called summer) and the Minister for Education Batt (Y) O'Keefe decided to drop the proverbial bomb by stating that third level fees are being re-considered. The response to even the suggestion of the re-introduction of fees was phenomenal. Labour Youth members quickly mobilised for a demonstration outside the department of Education along with several students from UCD, TCD, DIT, CIT and DKIT. The aim of the demonstration was to send a clear message to Minister O'Keefe that students will not stand idly by if he attempts to re-introduce fee's. Michael D spoke at the protest and stressed that the re-introduction of fees would be a national travesty and that even the suggestion of re-introducing fees is a wholly bogus concept. This Governments attitude towards students attending third level is woe-
Any plan to reintroduce third level fees would create a further roadblock to the creation of a more equal society
fully inadequate; already we have seen the recruitment ban in the HSE, the proposed streamlining of the grant system, which still hasn't happened, and now this. The fact of the matter is that since the introduction of free fee's in 1995 by former Labour Minister for Education Niamh Breathnach government
spending in third level has been simply inadequate. The Party's Education spokesperson Deputy Ruairi Quinn has stated, "The abolition of third level fees was one of Labour's most significant achievements in government. The abolition of fees opened up third level education
Dempsey, when he floated a similar idea that fees pitched at this level would bring in only around €15m. It would actually cost more than €15m to set up and run a system of means testing. Parents and students know that even if fees were initially
Labour Party President Michael D. Higgins and Labour Party pubic representatives at the demonstration against 3rd Level Fees to tens of thousands of students from low and middle income families". The re-introduction of these fees would lead to a drop off in numbers attending university and would only serve as a disincentive. Ireland has always had a reputation for being a land of "Saints and Scholars" the reintroduction of fees would completely undermine the true spirit of Irish education. As Deputy Michael D Higgins has stated "The fundamental difference between Labour's position and that of the present government is the priority we in Labour give to the requirement of citizenship defining the relationship between state, economy and society.“ Any plan to reintroduce third level fees would create a further roadblock to the creation of a more equal society. Minister O'Keeffe's claim that fees would be restricted to those earning more than €100,000 is a Trojan horse. We know from information given by the previous Minister, Noel
introduced, it would be only a matter of time before the threshold was dropped and the vast majority of families would again be facing insurmountable fees. We are living with a two tier unequal Health system; we cannot allow the Government to create a two tier unequal Education system. Universality in our public services in Health and Education is what is needed to tackle this issue. Labour Youth believe that universality in our health and education system is the most equitable and just way forward. We should have an education system that is free at the point of access and a system that is based on equality of access. One of the most important investment's a country can make is in the education of its people. Our Education system should be based on MERIT NOT MEANS
www.LabourYouth.ie
6
Educate so that we may be free The Left Tribune
The Tom Johnson Summer School, organised by Labour Youth sets the arena for internal party discussion, debate, and a bit of craic as well. Paul Dillon, Labour Youth Education and Policy Officer reflects on a very successful July weekend. Labour movement to discuss and debate and educate one another on issues that are of importance to us. For Socialists, the words "educate so as may be free" amount to much more than a slogan. Political education for left organisations is essential if we are to put ourselves in a position where we can bring about the change that we want to see taking place. The annual Tom Johnson summer school is a major event in the Labour Youth summer school as it draws people together from across the
This year's school took place in Galway in the last weekend of June. The theme of the event was "no more waiting-Labour is ready to lead". 200 activists's attended what was the largest Tom Johnson school debate. Delegates were focused on discussing strategies to grow the influence and strength in the period ahead. The debate on the local elections heard proposals for Labour to build alliances with other progressives to maximise its impact in June 2009 as well as practical advice for
Though cowards flinch and traitors sneer, We’ll keep the Red Flag flying here
Paul Mulville, Labour Youth Recruitment Officer, recently attended the 2008 Red Flag Festival, tells us what inspired Jim Connell to compose the ‘The Red Flag’
1889 on a train home from a lecture given by the Social Democratic Federation.
Connell was born in Co. Meath in 1852. As a young man, he got involved with land agitation, joined the Irish Republican Brotherhood, and fought to organise dock workers in Dublin.
Connell was inspired to write the song by many some of the many leftwing movements taking place around that time including the London dock strike, the activities of the Irish Land League, the Paris Commune, the Russian nihilists and Chicago anarchists.
www.LabourYouth.ie
An undoubted highlight of the weekend was the presentation of the Jim Kemmy award to Mick O'Reilly of the UNITE trade union by our party leader. Eamon Gilmore TD made an impassioned speech for the annual Jim Kemmy memorial address, arguing that Labour must put itself in a position where it can "lead the country". www.pauldillonlabour.blogspot.com
The Red Flag Festival Crossakiel 2008
Jim Connell, a Socialist and a Republican, wrote the "The Red Flag",
After being blacklisted for his union activities, Connell moved to London, where he got a job as a journalist with Kier Hardie's newspaper "The Labour Leader". He wrote the Red Flag in
campaigners. The debate on the relationship between Labour and the unions heard calls for practical steps to be taken to build a more mutually beneficial relationship for both Labour and the unions.
In April 1998 a monument to Jim Connell was unveiled by Peter Cassells, the General Secretary of
the Irish Congress of Trade Unions at Crossakiel, Co Meath. The move to erect the monument was spearheaded by local man and Kells Labour Party stalwart, Cllr. Tommy Grimes. The Jim Connell Festival now takes place every year in Crossakiel and this year the keynote address was given by Bob Crowe, RMT General Secretary. This years celebration was a great success and Cllr. Tommy Grimes extends the invitation to all to attend next years Jim Connell Festival.
The Left Tribune
Abundance does not spread, famine does.
7
With unemployment over 250,000 and rising living costs, James Humphreys, Labour Youth National Secretary, writes that some people may have to choose between food or fuel this Winter. Thirty countries have already seen food riots this year, can Ireland be next? The ever higher cost of food has pushed tens of millions of people into abject poverty and starvation. Around the world people are protesting about their rising food
4.4%. Milk and Flour has increased by between 16 and 17% respectively", according to Sean Sherlock T.D., this dramatic rise in cost will effect families on the margins the most but will further increases, without a sufficient government response, result in
In the past year alone, the cost of food in this country has risen by 4.4%. Milk and Flour has increased by between 16 and 17% respectively - Sean Searlock TD
bills; in Mexico rioters took to the streets because of a massive jump in tortilla prices, in Indonesia they took to the streets because of the rapid increase in soybean prices and in Italy people took to the streets because of the cost of pasta. From Egypt to Senegal, Haiti to Thailand, and across many countries in subSaharan Africa there has been an increasingly vocal public protest over rising food prices, can we be next?
woman and children taking to the streets in outrage the cost of food?
In Ireland, with unemployment approaching 250,000 and families on the poverty line facing difficult decisions, the cost to heating our home is rapidly increasing and filling the fridge with food is coming more expensive. "Some people will be forced to make the choice between buying food or fuel this winter," said Eamon Timmins, Head of Communications for Age Action Ireland.
With unaffordable food prices spreading across the world; the Fianna Fail and Green Party has slashed â‚Ź45m in overseas aid and "has failed to form a coherent policy on the
"In the past year alone, the cost of food in this country has risen by
United Nations analysts and other research specialists describe this as the worst crisis since the early 1970s. Increased demand for meat diets, climate factors, the increase in farmland devoted to bio-fuel crop, and the massive increase in the cost of oil are the main causes of the latest increase in the cost food.
fuel/food debate that has been driven by rising food shortages, particularly in the poor regions of this world." says Liz McManus Labour Party spokesperson on Energy and Natural Recourses. World Bank economist are stating that their is a 75% increase in world food prices since January 2002. Robert Zoellick, the president of the World Bank said that; "For countries where food comprises from half to three-quarters of consumption, there is no margin for survival." With some countries, the vast majority of people's income is devoted to food. For example: Indonesia, this proportion is 50%, in Vietnam it is 65%, and in Nigeria it is 73%. How can we explain to that it was not possible to find $30 billion to enable 862 million hungry people enjoy the most fundamental of human rights, the right to food, when in 2006 1.2 Trillion dollars was spent on Arms? It's now up to political and business leaders, who must join together to solve this crisis or else food will remain out of the grasp of millions of people for years to come.
How can we explain to that it was not possible to find $30 billion to enable 862 million hungry people enjoy the right to food, when in 2006 1.2 Trillion dollars was spent on Arms? www.LabourYouth.ie
8
The Left Tribune
Denied their Democratic Right
Padraic Lamb explores the battle between the generations in which young adults are being denied their basic democratic right The current campaign to reduce the voting age in European and local elections, led by Dermot Looney and other Labour Youth activists in Dublin South-West, is perhaps the last outing for devoted suffragists and suffragettes in the developed West. No longer is franchise denied on the grounds of gender, religion, race or income level (Republican villainy in Florida may be regarded as an aberration). The last battle, somewhat ominously, is a struggle between the generations. Elites transcend time and space; the drinking clubs of the Athenian aristocracy resemble the gentlemen's clubs of Victorian England as does the Fianna Fáil drinking tent. Loci of power such as these do everything they can to protect their positions: the oligarchic coup in Athens and the century-long defensive against franchise reform in Britain are reactions to popular governance by powerful upper classes for whom democracy (demos, people) is exactly synonymous with ochlocracy (okhlos, mob). In the interests of irony, let the opposition to franchise
Though most people would today welcome what
It is completely unjust to include the under-18 in the tax register while excluding them from the voting register
Gladstone doubtless regarded as the four heralds of the apocalypse, the example does demonstrate the strength of official animosity to expansion of the franchise. The caste of professional politician is in this century effusive in expressions of esteem of democracy and the 'voice of the people'. From reactions to the No vote in the Lisbon referendum: "I fully respect the verdict of the Irish people" (Brian Cowen); "We have to accept the decision of the people" (Brian Lenihan); "The people here have spoken and I respect the democracy" (Pat Cox). With this deep regard for democracy, if not in their hearts, then certainly on the tip of their tongues, why have national politicians from across the many divides not lent their support and votes to the 'Vote at 16' campaign?
Elites transcend time and space; The drinking clubs of the Athenian aristocracy resemble the Gentlemen's clubs of Victorian England as does the Fianna Fáil drinking tent. expansion be voiced by a youthful WE Gladstone, at 23, two years the junior of Dermot Looney. In 1832 Gladstone predicted franchise reform would lead to "…the destruction of the Church Establishment, to the overthrow of kingly government in this country…; to the degradation of its national character and through depredation of the British Nation, to wide and irreversible ruin throughout the world." www.LabourYouth.ie
Change for change's sake is as pernicious as a fear of change. Precise figures for the number of electors which would be created are unavailable; nonetheless, a conservative estimate of 100, 00 is significant of two facts. Firstly, the Irish State is denying suffrage to a huge number of people which is entitled to the vote. This disenfranchisement is a serious theoretical if not actual challenge to the democratic legitimacy of all branches of the
Stop the Silence
The Left Tribune
9
Although Article 12 and 16 of the Irish Constitution enforce a voting age of 18+ for Dail and Presidential elections, there is no such constitutional requirement for Local and European elections Oireachtas. Any sudden increase in the register of electors will affect the political discourse and the outcome of elections. The new voters are not to be feared. The distinction between demos and okhlos is now of linguistic interest only; it has been made politically redundant in the era of compulsory education and such widespread access to current affairs media. While Civic, Social and Political Education (CSPE) alone is an unsteady crutch lean upon in an argument over the level of political awareness and engagement of teenagers, it is strengthened by the addition of History, Geography and English as compulsory subjects. To pursue that line of thought, however, is to attach educational criteria which must be met in order to vote. The franchise should not be based on qualifications, but on rights. To borrow a phrase from the first generation of American rebels to influence the world, 'No Taxation without Representation.' That is, it is completely unjust to include the under-18 in the tax register while excluding them from the voting register. If someone is making a financial contributing to the State, or deemed capable of so doing, that person has a right - once described as 'unalienable' - to vote for the government of that country, 'to come within', as Gladstone put it in a later, pro-reform phase, 'the pale of constitution.'
involvement in charities and political organisations, and yet they are still discriminated against. Although Article 12 and 16 of the Irish Constitution enforce a voting age of 18+ for Dail and Presidential elections, there is no such constitutional requirement for local and European elections. Dermot has thrown his support fully behind the campaign saying "Many teenagers are rightly angered by the demonisation of youth by conservative politicians and media outlets. Now is the time for young people to stand up and be counted." While there is a constitutional bar to allowing under-18's vote in Dรกil elections, there should be no cause to withhold support from the 'Vote at 16' campaign. While the system must necessarily operate under a notional age of majority, two different notions for the inextricable issues of taxation and the franchise are unacceptable. To seek constitutional reform on this issue at present would be to take up the gauntlet only to tilt at a giant windmill. It is therefore incumbent upon us to support the 'Vote at 16' campaign in local and European elections. It is uncertain what effect enfranchisement would have on our political parties but the historic and theoretic impetus is upon the State to grant the vote to people over 16 years of age.
Dermot Looney, Colm Lawless and Kevin Murphy brought the issue to Dublin City Council with Cllr Eric Byrne in June. Teenagers of this generation have far more knowledge of politics through CSPE in secondary schools and www.LabourYouth.ie
10
Left Tribune
Yes We Can!
Conor Tanam, Labour Youth explains why he believes Obama can be the next US President From January to June the battle for the Democratic nomination raged across the length and breadth of America. The media largely ignored the Republican nomination despite the valiant attempts of Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul to clinch the candidacy from John Mc Cain. America and indeed the wider world were captivated by the fierce competition between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton that was to prove to be a rather more bitter and divisive campaign than the party elders would have envisaged. However from early April it was clear that Obama was going to emerge victorious. Much of the spotlight has been on the personality of the Illinois senator and not on his actual polices. For those of us on the left it is important to understand where the Democratic candidate stands on major issues such as Iraq , education, healthcare and the environment. If Barack is elected (recent polls show a lead over John Mc Cain)his new approach will redefine the relationship between politicians and the public both abroad and in America's dealing with the wider world. The decision to wage war in Iraq in March of 2003 resulted in worldwide protest. It was one of those rare occa-
Obama advocates a policy that ensures fees are limited at public universities along with technical schools
sions where the left is united on a fundamental principle. In choosing to wage this illegal, unjust and immoral imperial exercise America was ignoring the UN and masses of www.LabourYouth.ie
public opinion. A freshly elected politician named Barack Obama chose to oppose this act of barbarism. Speaking on the second of October 2002 he declared that "I do not
47 million Americans, including nearly 9 million children, lack basic health insurance
oppose all war, just a dumb war". At the time his fellow Democrats were falling over themselves to vote to approve the military actions and his decision to disagree with his fellow party members was not an easy one. Upon being elected he will involve the United Nations in urging the Iraqi leadership to reach some form of realistic agreement. In addition his website details a plan to distribute two billion dollars to Iraqi refugees that have been displaced as a result of the Iraqi conflict. As it stands 40% of American students do not graduate from high school. This is a shocking statistic and if the US is to recover from the economic downturn ensuring an equitable education is vital. In his book The Audacity Of Hope Obama writes that working with teachers unions, states and school districts can develop better measures of performance, ones that combine test data with a system of peer review. In terms of third level Obama advocates a policy that ensures fees are limited at public universities along with technical schools and online courses for non-traditional students. The cost of college in the US is absurd, it effec-
tively means that those from an impoverished background have little, if any, chance of graduating from a university programme. Those that do make it face huge problems once in the system. Almost 30 percent of students in their first year of college are forced to take reme-
I do not oppose all war, just a dumb war. Oct 2 2002.
dial science and math classes because they are not prepared. With a progressive Democrat installed in the White House the focus can be on helping those that need it rather than simply ignoring the problem as the right so often do. Healthcare in America is in a state of crisis. It almost makes the Irish system look sophisticated and sleek. Without health insurance it is nigh on impossible to get treatment. 47 million Americans - including nearly 9 million children - lack health insurance with no signs of this trend slowing down. While millions go without coverage those that have it are prone to massive rises in cost at the whim of private companies. The solution to this problem as presented by John Mc Cain is to simply increase competition, that old adage that the market will simply sort itself out. Obama's assessment is far more realistic "The market alone can't solve our health care woes-in part because the market alone has proven incapable of creat-
Left Tribune
ing large enough insurance pools to keep costs to individuals affordable, in part because health care is not like other products or services".
11
His plan to ensure that every single American is covered (either privately or under a government system) will be painted as socialised medicine by the GOP. However Obama is a firm believer in capitalism and any claims by the Republican base will have no basis in reality. Despite being the darling of the media Obama has a huge battle to secure the presidency. The Republicans are desperate to cling on to power. Senator Obama holds a fifteen point lead to the Arizona senator but this can be attributed to excitement rather than voter's intentions. After eight years of selfish, destructive and harmful governance a change is required. While his positions on gun control and the death penalty are far from idyllic Barack Obama represents the best chance of a meaningful new direction for the US. As his frenzied supporters chant the infamous Yes we can the world watches this fascinating political drama unfold. For those of us on the left we can only hope that this extraordinary man is successful.
Barack Obama - Can He Fix It?
Labour Youth’s Communications Officer Christina Mc Sorley hopes that Presidential candidate Obama will Change America’s belligerant foreign policy. Barack Obama, the 47 year old Democratic candidate for the President of the United States has the world alight with renewed hope of a more amiable American administration. Amid subtle allegations of the 'Blair Effect' Obama's tour of Europe this summer pulled masses of crowds in Berlin and France and statistics have shown that he is more popular in other countries than he is in his own country. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are now deeply unpopular. Obama has promised us a plan for US withdrawal, and the rest of the world are hoping that he delivers. Senator Obama did have it easy on that one, as he wasn't a member of the Senate when America's representatives were voting on the war. Given the political circumstances at the time, I wonder which way Obama would have voted if he had the opportunity? Just for the record I too believe in change. I also believe that US rendition flights are stopping over in Shannon. I believe that the Fianna Fail government are hiding behind diplomatic assurances and are terrified to check US flights in fear of what they might officially uncover. I hope that if Obama is to become the next President of the United States he stops the use of rendition flights for tor-
ture as our government are quite happy to turn a blind eye. Hailed as the most progressive of American Presidential hopefuls of the 20th century Barack Obama shares his slogan with a well-known cartoon character. In overalls and a hard-hat Bob the Builder fixes problems with all of his friends. For Obama, it's not so simple but according to the hype, believing in Change means 'Yes We Can!' -well I certainly hope so. www.LabourYouth.ie
Anarchy in the UKThe swing to the Conservatives
12
The Left Tribune
David Kitching has called May Day for New Labour and warns of the dangers that the Irish Labour Party may face if they chose to follow the Blair/Brown route.
In an earlier issue of the Left Tribune, Dermot Looney and Paul Dillon posed serious questions about the proposed "re-branding" of the Irish Labour Party. The drubbing received in the recent local elections represents, to a large extent, New Labour's chickens coming home to roost. While the partial poll left out significant portions of the UK and diluted the loss somewhat, May Day 2007 was a fateful one for the British Labour Party. With the Tories achieving 44% of the overall poll, and the Lib Dems on 25%, Labour have slipped to third place on a paltry 24%. The pinch was felt most keenly in Labour's traditional working class heartlands in the North of England and South Wales where they lost key councils such as Sheffield, Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent. The Mayoral election in London provided depressing evidence of voter apathy. Here, Ken Livingstone, one of the most progressive Labour politicians in Britain, lost City Hall to the proto-aristocratic fop Boris Johnson on the back of continued disillusion under Gordon Brown's premiership. Livingstone's forthright implementation of sound transport, environmenwww.LabourYouth.ie
tal and social policies failed to ingratiate him with everyone. So while on election night, Labour 'safe' constituencies showed a turnout of around 44%, the affluent West London drivers of the "Chelsea tractors" hit by Ken's congestion charge polled as high as 67%.
Most worrying, some see some outlet in the extreme right such as the BNP who now have a representative on the Greater London Assembly. While there are some solid Labour MPs on the backbenches, it is a sad irony that these are the ones most likely to lose out were a general election to come.
Thus, your average Tory found in Boris an escape from responsible driving. While Ken's record should stand for itself (racist attacks halved in eight years; the nationalised London Overground; increased social housing), his candidacy was undermined by government actions.
So what does this mean on the home front? Advocates of a New Labour turn in Ireland should take a second look across the water. They should remember that Tony Blair's last act as
Less than two weeks before the election, Brown announced the abolition of the "10 penny tax" which had favoured low income workers after the Bank of England had provided a ยฃ50 billion bailout to rescue financial institutions from the credit crunch. Brown, unfortunate in his image as an aloof technocrat, appeared distant from the realities of the average punter. So, the imposition of fiscal rectitude on low-paid young workers with a concomitant gold-rush for the
Thus, your average Tory found in Boris an escape
credit-happy banking sector spoke multitudes about the government's value system. Labour under Tony Blair became ideologically ossified, succumbing to an arrogance of power reminiscent of Fianna Fรกil in Ireland. Some had hope that things would change under Brown, but his alienation of low income workers and his recourse to populism in such phrases as "British jobs for British workers" undermines such hope. Voters in erstwhile Labour heartlands have nowhere to turn.
Labour under Blair became ideologically ossified, succumbing to an arrogance of power reminiscent of Fianna Fรกil in Ireland
P.M. was to invoke the "British Protocol", failing to recognise the entitlement to strike as part of the Fundamental Charter of European Rights. They should remember that the two largest parties in Ireland have already soiled enough ground in the centre to remind us of the territory that we should mark. Democracy in Britain is under strain. In Ireland too, political corruption and jobbery have undermined people's faith in politics. For the Irish Labour Party to go the way of our bigger sister in the UK would only exacerbate this democratic deficit. There is nothing novel about New Labour. With a sense of history and the ability to respond to the circumstances in which we live with sensitivity and imagination, the Irish Labour Party can achieve more than under an overly brand-conscious regimen. Re-branding is for chocolate bars and lost cattle. Surely the Labour movement can aspire to greater associations than this!
Excluded and criminalised: Mental Health suffering at the hands of the State
The Left Tribune
13
With the new 'Super Prison' proposals for Thornton Hall incorporating the Central Medical Hospital within its grounds, Labour Youth's Daragh McGreal questions whether Ireland really has a Victorian prison system or not. For many months, numerous NGOs, and lobby groups sought to reverse the Government's decision of building the new 'super-prison' at Thornton Hall in North Dublin. The Labour current spokesperson on Justice, Pat Rabbitte is actively seeking a reversal of that decision. Unfortunately however, it seems that may all have been in vain and the project seems as good as built. The insistence of the Fianna Fail/Green Government to bluster through all well-regarded advice shows unashamed arrogance on their part. They decided to disregard the opinions of criminologists, social workers, families, probation officers and many other interest parties in favour of a concept pushed by former TD Michael McDowell. Yet despite the barrage of criticism and scant championing, this particular prison-building programme is going ahead. Undoubtedly, this is an unfortunate and sorry step, for which,
The proposed move flies in the face of international best practice
Irish society will later pay. The Department of Justice, in making this move to Thornton Hall are embarking on an ambitious and costly endeavor resisted by all but their own people. Many have raised questions about the logic of such a step and dispute the motivations.
Equally so, there has been uproar about the Department of Health's proposed relocation of the Central Mental Hospital from Dundrum to Thornton Hall. Such an absurd and closed-minded decision has also been met with widespread criticism. The CMH Carers Group, Schizophrenia Ireland, the Mental Health Commission and the Mental Health Coalition have all expressed their opposition. One bad policy decision is enough and these groups are adamant to prevent another. The proposed move flies in the face of international best practice. Locating already vulnerable and marginalised people onto a prison site will simply lead to stigmatisation and further ostracisation regardless of whether there's a separate entrance or not. We should be embracing those afflicted with mental illness and facilitating their reintegration into society. Instead, the Government wishes to move the Hospital 'out' to Thornton Hall. This terminology, as used by Dermot Ahern, immediately indicates an approach of keeping CMH patients at arms length from society.
Consider instead the proposal put forward by the CMH Carers Group in May whereby part of the Dundrum site (approx. 14 acres) would be soldoff with a redevelopment of the existing hospital taking place. This would ensure the patients are treated in a community setting.
Indeed, an undertone of the ongoing argument is that the Dundrum hospital has clearly become a fabric of the community. Lying four miles from the city centre since 1843, the Central Mental Hospital was never as remote as Thornton Hall will be.
Locating already vulnerable and marginalised people onto a prison site will simply lead to stigmatisation and further ostracisation
Although the city did expand out towards Dundrum and beyond over the years, it simply enhanced the therapeutic process by increasing the community feeling and decreasing The the marginalization. Government's own policy framework for Mental Health- 'A Vision for Change', calls on services to have a strong community ethos and thus the proposed move is highly questionable. Indeed, this current proposal also goes against the Government's own policy of putting the patient first and adopting rehabilitative models over containment models. Labour Youth absolutely oppose any move by the government to create 'Super Prisons' through which it will criminalize and stigmatize the vulnerable in our society. Sign the petition http://www.petitiononline.com/Dundru m/petition.html www.LabourYouth.ie
14
The Left Tribune
The Forgotten War; Democracy in Afghanistan
Adnan Khan, Labour Youth, explains how American Imperialism destroyed Afghanistan Whenever imperialist countries such as the US go to war, they use slogans that hide their real interests of economic gains. In 2001, they attacked Afghanistan with the most advanced and horrific war weapons to eliminate so called religious fundamentalism. Geographically, Afghanistan has an important position in the region. This country links central Asia with south Asia, and both regions have rich resources of oil and gas. Only central Asia has $ 5 trillion of oil and gas known resources. Due to its geographical position Afghanistan has been always a war target. In the last two centuries it has been first a buffer state between British India and Autocratic Russia, and later a battle field between American imperialism and Stalinist Russia. Now this region plays a fundamental role in the war on terror. But the main goal of the US is to reach central Asia and exploit the resources of the region. If we want to understand the emerging of Taliban in Afghanistan, we should go back to the 1978 revolution in Afghanistan. This revolution, led by the People Democratic party of Afghanistan, brought an end to the long and cruel period of Nadir shah
A market in Afghanistan www.LabourYouth.ie
family by overthrowing the Sardar Dawood regime. This revolution, tried to bring Afghanistan to the road of development and prosperity, and could have had a positive impact on the neighbouring countries. However, the intervention of imperialist powers with the help of Pakistan military agencies, the nationalistic approach of the leadership and dependency on Stalinist Russia, which later intervened military instead of promoting class solidarity and proletarian internationalism, spiralled out into an endless war. The 1978 revolution was doomed.
America spends â‚Ź2 billion per week on destruction, while only â‚Ź12 million has been used to finance reconstruction
The Pakistan military agencies, under the control of the military dictator Gen Zia Ul Haq and religious fanatics, were the tools used by American imperialism to defeat the Afghan revolution. They organize the jihad in the Pashtun belt, within Pakistan and Afghanistan. A network of religious schools were set up. Religious political parties and groups organized and propagated the jihad, and recruited volunteers. This was the most reactionary and black period of Pakistan history. It came after the defeat of a big mass movement in 1968-69. Pakistan was also divided in two countries after the independence of Bangladesh. Martial was imposed and the leader of the 1968 revolutionary movement, then
Pakistan prime minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, was assassinated by the American imperialist puppet regime of Gen Zia Ul Haq. Afghan rebels and the Pakistani military and religious leaders set up modern laboratories to turn the opium production into heroin in order to finance the jihad, and were heavily involved in the drugs trade. At present, opium production has reached more than 6000 metric tones, which supplies 92% of world drugs market. This jihad lasted for 11 years, until the Russian troops withdrew and the USSR collapsed. The American goals were accomplished. Soon after that, Zia Ul Haq was killed along with a number of U.S military officers in an airplane crash. The war provoked by America left Afghanistan in total anarchy and chaos. Due to the involvement of the Pakistani army still active in the civil war, a small group of religion fanatics appeared on the scene in Afghanistan with backing of the Pakistani secret services. After the soviet troops left the country and the Afghan government collapsed, different warlords and groups, supported by different neighbouring countries, started to struggle among themselves for the control of the country. Iran, India and the central Asian countries had their own antagonist interest with the Taliban. The main issue, however, was the US backed project of a gas pipeline from central Asia to Pakistan of UNICOL (an oil multinational corporation). This project required a stable country. But the Taliban had influence only on the
pashtun area of Afghanistan. They were unable to stabilize the whole country. The event of 9/11 gave a good excuse to the US to attack of Afghanistan. In 2001, America attacked Afghanistan again, but this time more openly and brutally, and showing its military power to the entire world. However, despite using modern war weapons, strong military force and establishing the puppet government of Hamd karzai, the region still is under the rule of warlords and religious leaders. As The Economist admitted recently, "in Afghanistan, there has been no accountability for past crimes. Nor can there be: the government relies on the support of some of those who stand accused of war crimes."(May 20, 2008).
There are modern cars but no roads, modern mobiles but no hospitals, no infrastructures but the most advanced weapons
2007 was the worst year for military fatality. With America looking to increase their numbers and NATO numbers tiping the scale at 43,000 it is apparent that America has lost control. Last year an attack on American vice president Dick Cheney, and the recent attack on Hamid karzai in Kabul during a military parade have shown the increasing power of the insurgency. Again The Economist described the situation in these terms: "Kabul seems like the capital of an occupied country. Foreign diplomats and United Nations (UN) officials are forbidden to walk the streets alone, because of the risk of kidnap; so they cruise behind the tinted windows of their four-wheel-drives. Many big roads are concrete anti-terrorist obstacle courses. After a recent suicide-bombings in the capital, this city is too a front line." Currently, the war has crossed the border and the fights have reached the tribal area of Pakistan openly, where more than one thousand Pakistani soldiers have been killed in the recent fights. In the rest of
Pakistan the war has taken the form of suicide bombings. The Pakistan army, close ally of American imperialism in the region, is now radically divided in two camps. One side, represented by the military dictator Musharraf, supports the new imperialist agenda in the region, while the other is closely linked with fundamentalist factions involved in drugs trade and money laundering. In the past four years Musharraf has been targeted by suicide bombers. "According to a senior western diplomat, there is an ageing attachment between elements of Pakistan establishment and Mr Meshud (leader of Pakistani Taliban) and other Islamic extremist" (The Economist, May 3rd 2008). Because of the process of disintegration of the Pakistani army, America is now reluctant to trust the Pakistan military, and as a result they have started to bombard the Afghan Pakistan border area, killing thousands of civilians. Yet, it is Afghanistan the country that shows the real barbarism brought about by imperialism. The country infrastructures have been totally destroyed. Afghanistan ranks 173rd of 178 countries in the world in relation to human basic needs, education, employment, health and food. America spends â‚Ź2 billion per week on destruction, while only â‚Ź12 million have been used to finance the promised reconstruction on the country. Afghanistan is a good example of combined and uneven development because there are modern cars but no roads, modern mobiles but no hospitals, no infrastructures but the most advanced weapons. The Taliban are not an alternative, and neither can they solve the problems of Afghanistan. On the one hand, the mullahs calling this imperialist war a war against muslins are contributing to hide the real reasons for this war. They also present this war, on their part, as a jihad against the "Kofar" (infidel). In that way they give credit to the so-called theory of "clash of civilizations". The American imperialists, however, are using the war in order to increase their profits. Billions are spent on war
The Left Tribune
15
Afghanistan Factbook
Area: 647,500 sq km Population: 32,738,376 Life Expectancy at Birth: 44.21yrs Population below the poverty line: 53% Border countries: China, Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan , Uzbekistan and weapons; money that is stolen from the working class. The imperialists also use the war at home, with the excuse of waging it against terrorism, in order to reduce the rights of the workers and increase their rate of exploitation. Today the economies and societies of Pakistan and Afghanistan are much more closely related than ever before. The war has completely destroyed the social fabric and infrastructure of Afghanistan, leaving the country in complete barbarism. It is in that way that the future of Afghanistan is linked to social changes in Pakistan. A socialist transformation in Pakistan can rescue Afghanistan from barbarism. Imperialist wars and religious extremism will throw the country into further barbarism. Neither the Taliban nor American Imperialism can offer anything to the Afghan people. Only a genuine working class leadership in Pakistan can take on the points of the 1968 defeated revolution in Pakistan and help the Afghan people to accomplish the goals of the 1978 revolution, and, in that way transform their societies into a socialist one. That is the only way for the emancipation of all. The present imperialist war only brings subjugation, barbarism and oppression in both Afghanistan and Pakistan.
www.LabourYouth.ie
16
The Left Tribune
To hell or to Connaght!
Which way from here? Labour Youth Fintain Hastings leads the way for Labour in the West The west of Ireland is to Labour as the Deep South is to the American democrats. This is perhaps an overly dramatic analogy, but given the high profile election process currently going on across the pond, it helps to illustrate the difficulty faced by Labour in this politically elusive region. In the case of the democrats in the US, it's a little easier to understand. Even just the scent of liberalism is anathema to the rigid conservative ideological beliefs of some evangelical Christian voters in these regions. But you will find comparatively few of those same evangelical Christians or 'bible bashers' in the west of Ireland. True, many people in the west still associate closely with their religious beliefs, and the church is central to many aspects of rural life among people of all ages. On the whole however, you'll find that people in the west of Ireland are pragmatic and sensible folk. Listening to conference speeches and electoral strategy proposals about how our party should move forward into the future and we hear optimistic predictions of breakthroughs. By looking to the past can we hope to unearth a secret formula that will enable Labour to once again rise to prominence in this politically enigmatic region? Can we hope to emulate the strategies adopted by successful Labour candidates in the past and re-
use them to get our candidates elected in those same constituencies in 21st century Ireland? The short answer to both questions: No. www.LabourYouth.ie
The west, along with the rest of the country has changed immeasurably since those early decades of independence. All that we can hope to learn from the past is that Labour once managed to win over the imaginations of voters in areas that we nowadays consider hostile territory and therefore, logically, given the correct approach, we could do so once again. Voters in the west are a practical, pragmatic bunch. For a candidate to succeed, they must prove to the voter that if elected, they can, and will deliver. Those of us living in the west of Ireland read daily in the newspapers about Luas tram networks, port tunnels, and directly elected mayors for the nation's capital, but comparatively less in the way of infrastructural developments or major initiatives in our own neck of the woods. After 10 years of economic growth the West of Ireland is still waiting for a train that will take us from Galway to Limerick without having to pass through Athlone. We waited patiently behind the rest of the country for broadband services to be delivered, and many parts of the west are still waiting. Labour in the west of Ireland should aim to distinguish itself by offering inventive, creative solutions to problems. In the run up to the 2007 gen-
The West is still waiting for a train that will take us from Galway to Limerick without having to pass through Athlone
eral election, the Galway West constituency organisation made public transport the central issue of its campaign. But rather than demand an
overhaul of just the Galway City train station, it instead made the case for the development of a modern transportation network for the entire western region as a whole, citing the environmental and long-term economic benefits of such a proposal. More than anywhere else in the country, a strong, united party organisation is needed. Not having politics in your DNA is not the 'be all and end all'. A good example of this would be our current party president, Michael D. Higgins. When Michael D. contested his first Dรกil election in 1969, his Galway West constituency was among the most conservative in the country. It took 14 long years of hard work, determination, and persistence to deliver a Dรกil seat. Higgins developed an enduring reputation for himself as a conviction politician as opposed to a populist one. Our inspiration to build and grow must come from Thomas O'Connell, who in 1922 won a seat for Labour despite the onslaught of a bitter civil war. We were up against an electoral machine and an electoral organisation, which was one of the most perfect in Ireland. Still, remarkable fact is that we have pulled it through and we have won a decent place in the list of candidates -TJ O'Connell TD, 1 July 1922
An teanga beo?
The Left Tribune
17
In this issue Colum Lawless, Labour Youth activist stands proudly on the podium and defends the right to a true comprehensive Irish culture
At the dawn of the last century the Irish language was heavily in decline, and indeed today this remains the case. The Gaelic Revival period was instrumental in ensuring that our beautiful and unique mother tongue did not perish. However I find it truly alarming that in today's world, our historic and cultural method of communication is in immediate danger of ceasing to exist. With just under 10% of the Irish population utilising Irish on a daily basis, this trend which was reversed by the Gaelic League and other language revival groups, is now beginning to reappear.
I am a firm believer in the advocating of pro-cultural movements, and I also concur that these are not as effective as they should rightly be in our modern society. As a secondary school student, I experience the attitude of peers against the language on the grounds that it is overly difficult, useless or otherwise. Never before have I been so saddened by the deterioration of our heritage and identity.
To remove Irish as a language is the first step towards an unthinkable world of cultural uniformity
Instances occur in which the language is shunned when spoken, abused when mentioned, discarded when necessary and optionalised, if our beloved "cultural political neighbours" gain power in a General Election. The government has been decisively incompetent in restoring this treasure of our nation. The lack of funding for the subject in schools is breathtaking. Our Minister for the Gaeltacht seems
keen on promoting a draconian system of education which dismantles public appreciation for Irish. Shame on him. Research has shown that a language will prosper if it is required to live everyday life. In Wales for example, that particular language was drawn from the bucket of invaluable languages and resurrected into a powerful symbol of Welsh culture and pride. The Welsh government was instrumental in this revival, by reforming the education system in Wales, and also ensuring that it is used actively in daily life. Considering this to be a fact, why are we reducing the usage of Irish in public life, and in schools?
Ireland is a unique and beautiful country, rich in culture and rich in diversity. To remove Irish as a language is the first step towards an unthinkable world of cultural uniformity with other European states. Each country is entitled to her heritage and in a way has a responsibility to protect it. I would love to live in a world where every country has its own piece of identity, its own piece of meaning. What wonders it would bring for those who travel, and for those who are culturally minded. I love the idea that travelling to France or Germany or indeed England, will provide me with a feeling of uniqueness - something with a beauty to be explored. Ireland is very much in that sphere of thinking. Our beloved nation has such a rich culture to be explored, for tourists to observe in awe, for citizens to be proud of and proud to say "I am Irish". The Irish language occupies an extremely important part of my mind and body. I compare such a love with
that of a love between a mother and son, something that cannot be destroyed in life. I know that there are many around the country who could empathise and indeed some in the Labour Party, which has an excellent track-record in promoting the language.
The struggle to preserve our language is ongoing, and will not end in failure. There is a will within Ireland to keep her Gaelic roots alive, despite what people say. We need to become more active in this struggle, opposing
Ireland is a unique and beautiful country, rich in culture and rich in diversity.
flawed government strategies, implementing decent cultural revival programmes, increased funding to the ever-popular regions of the Gaeltacht, encouraging people to use the language and instigating a radical reform in the teaching of Irish, which is at an all-time low. I believe that there is a liking for Irish among young and old. I may receive negative comments about Irish, though when I hear of people sobbing because they return from the Gaeltacht. We can defend our culture and language for future generations. I believe that only a Labour government can be effective in this change. Let us preserve our beautiful and inspiring language for all, including our friends from around the world, some of which have taken it upon themselves to engage with the language. Fair play to these people, you will not regret bestowing such an honourable tone upon yourself. www.LabourYouth.ie
18
The Left Tribune
The Red Flag The Red Flag was composed by Jim Connell, a native from Crossakiel Co. Meath. The Red Flag is a song sung by socialists all around the world. Labour Youth successfully passed a motion at the 2007 Labour National Conference to have the Red Flag sung at the end of all future Labour Conferences. Tá brat an tslua ar dheirge shnua, Ar mairbh fuair 'na scaoilteoig í, I gcaismirt chrua sul stromp 'na gcual, Gach ruic di rua fuil a gcroí
The people's flag is deepest red, It shrouded oft our martyred dead, And ere their limbs grew stiff and cold, Their hearts blood dyed its every fold. Then raise the scarlet standard high.
Loinneog: Croch suas faoi bhród, rí-bhrat an chró, Le hais a seoid bíodh feart nó saol, Gidh magúil pór, gidh fealltach sló, Beidh brat an chró go san ngaoth.
Chorus: Within its shade we'll live and die, Though cowards flinch and traitors sneer, We'll keep the red flag flying here.
An Francach coir, is uaidh 'fhaghas treoir, San nGearmáin chróga is áin leo 'n fonn, (fón) I Moscó fós tá fuaim a' cheoil, Chicago 'n tsló tá 'neartú 'n chómhair. (chúmhair)
Look round, the Frenchman loves its blaze, The sturdy German chants its praise, In Moscow's vaults its hymns are sung Chicago swells the surging throng.
Dar fuil ar éag sí a móid go léir, Go mbeidh di réim nó diúinne bás; 'nDuibheagán ar chríoch an tréis, Seo laoi 'r n-éag, ár salm slain.
It waved above our infant might, When all ahead seemed dark as night; It witnessed many a deed and vow, We must not change its colour now.
Never Mind Obama! What about Senator Norris? Seamus De Faoite believes Senator Norris is the perfect candidate for the Irish Presidency Senator David Norris was first elected to the Seanad in 1987 on the University of Dublin Panel and has successfully held his seat since. He is the perfect leader for a new tolerant, diverse Ireland, and socially modern Ireland
not written by spin doctors or special advisors, but his own intelligent and well formed opinion, and it's about time that we had a Head of State whos opinions are as such.
Norris has long held similar views to many Labour activists in relation to foreign issues and is a well known campaigner against the Human Rights abuses in Palestine and the use of rendition flights landing in Shannon airport. His stances on many foreign issues make him the ideal person to represent our views on the world stage, who better to challenge US digantaries about rendition, or the Israelis about innocent deaths in Palestine, than such a stalwart campaigner on those issues.
So if you think we need a good bit of change, never mind Barack Obama, lets get David Norris for President!
The main reason why I would like to see Norris as President is that, he is a man of passionate beliefs, he holds his beliefs close to his heart, and always votes along those lines in the Seanad. It is a pleasure to listen to his speeches because you know that what he says is www.LabourYouth.ie
Senator Norris and Labour’s Michael D Higgins at the ISPC demonstration in April 2008
The Left Tribune
19
The LT Files Cian O’Callaghan, former Labour Youth Officer and Labour candidate for the Sutton ward in Dublin City Council holds nothing back and bares all under the LT spotlight.... Cian is a young man of principle and integrity and has worked tirelessly defending and protecting human rights from inner-city Dublin to Columbia. Cian truly is an inspiration and the Left Tribune, along with Labour Youth would like to take this opportunity to thank Cian for everything and to wish him the very best of luck in the forthcomming Council elections! What's your favourite film? My favourite film is Ghandhi Which three people would you invite to dinner? The two orphans of Isidro Gill (a coke worker murdered for joining a union) and the CEO of Coca Cola If you were Taoiseach for the day, what would be the first thing you'd do? Abolish the two tier health service Who is your favourite musician and what is your favourite song? Damien Dempsey without any doubt and my favourite song is on Raglan Road sung by Luke Kelly What is your favourite holiday destination? Lourdes. I go every year with the Dublin Diocesan Pilgrimage. I’ve made some of my best friends in Lourdes over the past 13 years
What would you change about Ireland? Inequality Who inspires you the most? People, communities and social movements all over the world struggling and campaigning for a better future. The people of Colombia are particualry brave in their struggle given the level of oppression, torture, murder and organised dissapearings which take place If you could poach one member from the Oireachtas for the Labour Party, who would it be and why? David Norris. He has been an outstanding campaigner and belongs to the same wider progressive movement and tradition as Labour What is your favourite book? The Shock Doctrine by Naoimi Klein
Cian with Spanish Civil War veteran Bob Doyle What has been your best achievement to date? I've been involved with others in many successful campaigns such as: defeating the government attempt to re-introduce third level fees, winning a trippling in student accommodation, having a bill tabled in the Dáil by Labour twice to introduce civil partnerships, protecting freedom of assembly in O Connell Street. Why did you get active in politics? To work in movements to bring about progressive social change Check out Cian’s website: www.cianocallaghan.com
JOIN US! Simply post this form to Labour Youth, The Labour Paty, 17 Ely Place, Dublin 2. or email your details to youth@labour.ie
Name: Address:
Phone: Email: www.LabourYouth.ie
20
The Left Tribune
With this ring I thee... enter into a Civil Partnership !? Neil Ward, Labour Youth activist and member of the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee explains exactly what is wrong with the FF/Green attempt at winning back much needed support. For more visit www.neilward.ie The Government have finally gotten around to publishing Heads of Bill of the proposed Civil Partnership Bill and the gays are divided. Some are delighted that some recognition is finally going to be provided to samesex couples in Ireland. Others are furious that access to civil marriage is not being provided.
included in the Labour Party Civil Unions Bill, but we had always suspected that Fianna Fáil would vehemently oppose the inclusion of this area in any Government Bill. Much more worrying is the absence of any taxation or social welfare pro-
At first glance the Heads of the Bill appear to be reasonable proposals. It is certainly to be welcomed that we have finally seen movement on the issue, and that Government are recognising a need to provide rights and responsibilities to same-sex couples. Also, the establishment of a redress scheme for co-habiting couples (either opposite-sex or samesex) must be very warmly welcomed. We have to acknowledge that it is not all that easy for Government to move on this issue given that the current Minister for Justice Dermott Ahern spoke out against the decriminalisation of homosexuality back in June 1993. And of course, the Greens can't get everything their own way - they only have six seats, in case you didn’t notice. The proposals are, quite simply, not good enough, as they contain no provision for the rights of same-sex couples to be considered as potential adoptive parents, nor do they contain any provisions to protect children who are already living with same-sex parents. Such a provision had been
Finance Act (also known as the Budget). Secondly, which budget is expected to make these changes? Given the current economic sownturn can we really expect it in this November’s budget? Or will it be postponed well into the future, so much so that it will be forgotten about? Thirdly, and possibly most importantly, why not make the relevant changes to the taxation and social welfare legislation as part of the Civil Partnerships Bill?
Can the State guarantee that full equality will be provided in all areas? visions. Just to clarify - the Heads of Bill as published contain no provisions for providing income tax, inheritance tax, capital gains tax or social welfare provisions for civil partners. The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform are responding to queries on this matter by stating that these areas will be dealt with through a separate amendment of the
By failing to include these vital areas in the primary legislation, the Government are leaving some options available to them. They can delay introduction of rights in these areas (a particular concern given the current economic climate). They can provide some tax and social welfare rights, without providing full equality in this area. And of course, by including such changes in the budget, they will have the opportunity to easily undo such changes at any juncture in the future (something which would be much more politically difficult to do if the rights were included in the primary Civil Partnerships Bill). Both of which are fine, but the rest of us have a responsibility to examine proposals and provide a more nuanced reflection on legislation than these organisations can fit into a press release. www.LabourYouth.ie