SP Newsletter No.172
Southern Ireland’s general election for the Dail, Ireland’s Parliament, on 24 May gives working-class people a chance to say what they think of the ‘Celtic Tiger’ economic boom that has made huge profits for big business and the fat cats but little for them.

Neither the ruling right-wing Fianna Fail/ Progressive Democrat coalition nor their Fine Gael or Labour opposition have workers’ interests at heart. All have an openly big business agenda. For the last ten years, Socialist Party member JOE HIGGINS has been the main TD (Member of Parliament) to express workers’ anger and to organise and fight for their rights.

A recent article in the Irish Times, Ireland’s main serious journal, reflects the respect and affection that Joe, TD for Dublin West, has in the Dublin area.

Interviewing the man they label ‘Average Joe’, they say: “Although he’s a TD, Higgins only takes home half the salary or the equivalent of the average industrial wage.’You scrape by,’ he says.’But that’s what all ordinary working-class people around here have to do’.”

The Irish Times quotes Joe: “The workers spent the last ten years building up the economy while the government ensured big builders and developers reaped the rewards,” and comments:

“His constituents are quick to tell you why they are voting for Joe. ‘The bin tax,’ says Lisa McMurray as Higgins canvasses outside a local school. ‘He put his neck on the line for us over the tax, he stood up for us and he went to prison.’ Her friend Ann Lynch agrees. ‘Our husbands vote for him, they say: you’d better vote for Joe because he’s the only one who does anything for anyone in this area. He is well respected around here, even our kids know who he is.’

“Student Alan Armstrong will be voting for the first time. ‘I’m just voting for what’s good for the area and that’s Joe’ he says. ‘You can see what he does for local people, he gets things done.’

“Average Joe goes for a cup of tea in Harstown Community Centre. Therese Connolly says she has no time for other politicians whom she chases away from the door. ‘I only have time for Joe. He stood up for us on the bin tax, on water charges, he protested against the mobile phone mast. He is different to the others. With Joe, what you see is what you get’.

“The way she tells it, he’s an above Average Joe.”

How many politicians could get such tributes from working-class people? The Socialist Party is standing four candidates in the election. In particular, Joe is seeking re-election and Councillor Clare Daly hopes to win a seat in Dublin North and join Joe in the Dail to strengthen the real working-class opposition.

Join the Socialist Party

If you agree with what you have read in our newsletter or on our website you should consider joining SP. The Socialist Party has branches in Melbourne, Sydney, Newcastle and Perth as well as members and supporters in all other states. We are involved in trade union work and student work. We also run community, anti-war and environmental campaigns. But most of all we want to build a party that will fight to overthrow the capitalist system. We fight for socialism - a system that will bring an end to wars, poverty and environmental destruction. For more information about joining in your area contact the SP National Office. 0396399111

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The Socialist

Issue 33 of SP’s monthly newspaper ‘The Socialist’ is out now! Readers can pick up a copy at our regular street stalls, from our National Office or by joining the SP subscriber’s list. This month’s paper features articles on APEC, nuclear power, Rudd vs Cameron, Melbourne University, Onesteel, Venezuela, a report from our councillor in Yarra, and a centre page spread on the public housing.

SP now on My Space!

My Space is an online forum for networking. You can use it to chat, share photos, videos and journals. SP is using it to promote our party and meet people interested in socialist politics. Check out our site click here

Regional Activity

Victoria

The SP Melbourne Branch meets every Wednesday 7pm at Trades Hall in Carlton South. 1st Floor Corner of Lygon & Victoria Streets. This week the Melbourne branch will be discussing the events of April 1917 in Russia, when Lenin returned from exile.

New South Wales

To find out more info or to join SP in Sydney contact Gary - 02 9728 7727

To find out more info or to join SP in Newcastle contact Samantha - 02 4968 1545

Western Australia

To find out more info or to join SP in Perth contact John on – 08 9402 0728

Please note childcare is available at all SP meetings but only by prior arrangement please call ahead first.

News links just a click away –

Northern Ireland: Sinn Fein and Ian Paisley’s DUP form power sharing Executive
By Peter Hadden, Socialist Party Belfast
Click here

Britain: Blair’s departure
Editorial from The Socialist newspaper, Socialist Party (England and Wales)
Click here

Nigeria: Workers’ movement must lead mass resistance after rigged general election
By Segun Sango, General Secretary, Democratic Socialist Movement, Nigeria
Click here

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The Socialist Party is the Australian section of the Committee for a Workers’ International (CWI).
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