Democracy in the Socialist party

international | miscellaneous | other press Sunday May 24, 2009 15:21 by john throne - Labours Militant Voice

Expulsions and the denial of the right to appeal.

Some years ago a group of Comrades were expelled from the Irish Socialist Party and the Socialist Party's international organization. I John throne was amongst these.

I was the first member of the SP in Southern Ireland and the first full timer in all of Ireland. The Socialist Party and its international organization the Committee For a Workers International expelled me and denied me my right to appeal against my expulsion. Joe Higgins was prominent in pushing my expulsion and in denying my appeal. That is he supported my expulsion and denied me my right to appeal. I hope somebody in today's question and answer session asks Joe Higgins to explain why he did this. After all when we elect a representative it is important to know where he or she stands on democratic rights.

John Throne.