ISN announce John O'Neill to run in General Election

by Micro Manager Mon Feb 05, 2007 12:28

All in the best in the campaign, the more radical voices the better.

But please, either retract the statement that SInn Fein have indicated a willingness to abandon policies in return for ministerial seats, or else back it up with evidence.

Attacks on other left wing parties are pointless, devisive and distracting, and spurious statements accusing other left wing activists of being cynical liars are what give the small parties like yours a bad name, and turn voters off.

Remember who the enemy is. It's not Sinn Fein.

Find a statement from Dessie Ellis saying he'll abandon his policies to get power and I'll vote for you. Be big enough to admit that you got that one wrong and I'll get my family and friends to vote for you as well.

by Jonah Mon Feb 05, 2007 12:40

It's especially disappointing because John, and other ISN members, have in the past been very positive about Dessie in particular, whatever their legitimate political differences with Sinn Féin. It's a pity to see the ISN dropping into Trotspeak.

by historian Mon Feb 05, 2007 13:53

When Finglas republicans were taking on the drug pushers in the 1980s, John and Frankie Ross were condemning them as thugs and vigilantes! Opportunists come in all shapes and hues it seems!

by ISNer Mon Feb 05, 2007 14:06

At this stage. is it not pointing out the obvious to say that Sinn Fein is lurching towards the centre, the closer it gets to ministerial seats north and south? When they had ministeries in the north, they implemented (reluctantly or otherwise) neoliberal policies in the health sector. Moreover, they have clearly stated that coalition with right-wing parties like Fianna Fail is not ruled out in the south. Who will call the tune in such an arrangement?

Need more?

by Patrick Henry Mon Feb 05, 2007 14:12

Who will be at the White House this coming St Patrick's day despite the War crimes of Bush?

by John O'Neill - ISN - Personal capacity Mon Feb 05, 2007 14:45

I have a lot of respect for dessie Ellis and work with him in on occasion when SF and ISN positions are similar. However, indications are that SF are keeping their options open regarding coalition. I think people should know this. If I am wrong then I will apologise.

On the CPAD, yes I did campaign against the CPAD and I believe now I was wrong as do many members of the WP. Just as many CPAD activists have developed their positions since then, so have I.

by Former SF Mon Feb 05, 2007 14:53

Firstly, fair play to John for coming onto the site and admitting he was wrong about something in the past. It's a level of political maturity that is absent from political discussion in the Irish left.

As for the Shinners, their position is that they have ruled out no-one but would make any decision on coalition after the next general election depending on what has been offered to them. In other words, the ISN are right to say Sinn Féin hasn't ruled out coalition with the right, but I think it's a bit of a stretch to say they're aiming for it.

As for Sinn Féin drifting to the centre, it's a nice soundbite, but if you look at Sinn Féin's actual policies, they're further to the left in the South now than they were in 2002. Their recent pre-budget submission is a good start.

Their position on policing is a whole other story.

by armilite anto Mon Feb 05, 2007 15:00

when will Adams admit the armed struggle was a waste of time and lives. The isn should stay away from working with sf until they admit they were wrong

by hs - sp Mon Feb 05, 2007 15:43

hopefully all leftwingers will support your campaign and you make an impact. Good to see someone standing there.

by ISNer Mon Feb 05, 2007 17:41

This article sets out the ISN's view on Sinn Fein and their political strategy. I don't think it can be written off as "Trotspeak". If anyone from SF wants to rebut the arguments in it, they're welcome to respond (not saying that in a smart-alec way either):

http://www.irishsocialist.net/publications_crisis_of_ir....html

by Dub Mon Feb 05, 2007 18:28

John is a principled left-wing activist in his community and deserves the support of all on the Left. I think ISN are correct to point out differences with Sinn Fein. SF are on the path of 1930s FF. They are abandoning their original principles (which I never agreed with anyway!) and moving more to the right. Their only objective now is to be in Government North and South and will do anything to get that including abandoning people that elected them. John and ISN should not drop any political clarity in face of 'unpopularity' with a few Republicans.

by A G Tue Feb 06, 2007 15:53

A bit of news that seems to have passed unnoticed.
The demolition has recently begun of the homes belonging to the residents of Donnybrewer Road in Derry. These 17 families were evicted at the behest of the anti-union Ryan air by the Sinn Fein & SDLP controlled Derry City Council also with the backing of the DUP.
This is the type of thing we can expect once Stormont gets up and running. Isn't it time the genuine left got it's act together and started highlighting these issues before the elections get underway?

by SP Member - Socialist Party/CWI Tue Feb 06, 2007 18:53

Clearly SF's membership has 'matured' since the 1980's as well, given the result at the conference last week.

by Dub Tue Feb 06, 2007 18:55

I'm sure ISN & SP will mention that they are actually socialists unlike the SWP who will not be contesting the upcoming election as SWP but as "People Before Profit" which they have registered as a political party.