Socialist Party (Ireland) Struggle, Democracy, Socialism

Since it's public launch at the end of November, the United Left Alliance has been very warmly received and it’s potential to have a major impact in the coming general election has been clearly indicated.

Mick Murphy is the Socialist Party/United Left Alliance candidate for Dublin South West in the general election. Mick has been active fighting for working people for more than 20 years. He was a leading figure in the successful Anti Water Charges Campaign.

Cian Prendiville has been active on many issues in Limerick. Cian helped organise student protests against fees in UL. He has actively assisted workers at Dell, Mr Binman and Element 6 fight on issues from pay cuts to redundancies.

Opening today’s press conference Cllr Clare Daly, Socialist Party and ULA candidate for Dublin North said:

“Fine Gael and the Labour Party correctly say that the Fianna Fail minority government,  
a) doesn't have the confidence of the Dail;   
b) has a Taoiseach who doesn't have the confidence of his own party;
c) is so utterly discredited that the General Election must be brought forward.

Conor Mac Liam, Áine Nic Liam and Fergus Mac Liam – on the resignation of Mary Harney as Minister for Health earlier today.

Media reporting on the Red C poll published last Friday largely concentrated on the levels of support indicated for the political forces contesting the impending General Election.

The challenge of the United Left Alliance to the right wing consensus in Irish politics is strengthening rapidly. As of today, a total of 17 constituencies will be contested by 18 ULA candidates in the looming General Election.

The threat from Minister Lenihan yesterday in the Dáil that public sector workers face further cuts in their wages unless public service cutbacks are implemented quicker demands a fighting response from the trade union movement.

When the European Parliament meets in Strasbourg for one week every month, the last session which takes place on Thursday afternoon is always devoted to debates on human rights issues in different parts of the world.