Month: August 2013
Fuelling world hunger – biofuels not the route to sustainability
Biofuels are fuels that are produced from living or geologically recent organisms such as plants. These have long been regarded by some as a possible alternative to fossil fuels and contributor in solving the environmental crisis facing the planet as a renewable form of energy. In September of this year the European Parliament is due to discuss changes in EU biofuel policies.
Fuelling world hunger – biofuels not the route to sustainability
Biofuels are fuels that are produced from living or geologically recent organisms such as plants. These have long been regarded by some as a possible alternative to fossil fuels and contributor in solving the environmental crisis facing the planet as a renewable form of energy. In September of this year the European Parliament is due to discuss changes in EU biofuel policies.
The article the Sunday Independent refused to print
In the Sunday Independent newspaper on 4 August, Labour Party councillor Richard Humphreys had this article attacking an interview in which I called for a new intifada, similar to the first intifada. I contacted the Sunday Independent, requesting my right to reply through an article of similar length ( approximately 750 words) to Humphreys’. This request was rejected, and instead I was offered the opportunity to write a short letter to their letters page.
Review: Karl Marx – A Nineteenth Century Life
In this book Jonathan Sperber says he aims to place the great revolutionary thinker and activist firmly in his times. In a comprehensive, readable biography, the University of Missouri's Professor of History does succeed in portraying Marx engaging with 19th century society and intellectual currents.
Statement by the Socialist Party on water metering & charging
The proposal by the government and Irish Water to install millions of water meters on homes is reactionary and profit-driven and has nothing to do with water conservation. Meters will facilitate the charging of individuals / families for the use of a basic necessity, currently paid for through central taxation.
The Socialist Party, repression & prisoners’ rights
An article on the website of the “Republican Network for Unity” has attacked the Socialist Party. This short statement has been issued to categorically refute the allegations made in the article.
Environment: Climate change accelerates
The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, the main cause of global warming, has reached a critical level. Carbon dioxide is released by the burning of coal, gas and oil, so called fossil fuels.
The lead up to the budget blame-game and the coalition government
A full two and a half months before the Budget is announced on 15 October and the cynical pre-Budget posturing by government ministers is already in full swing.
Solidarity with Dublin Bus workers on strike
Socialist Party TD Joe Higgins and MEP Paul Murphy support the strike action being taken by SIPTU, NBRU and TSSA Dublin Bus workers.
Bradley Manning should be a hero, not a prisoner
In 2005 US Marines murdered 24 civilians in Haditha, Iraq. Over the last eight years, what punishments have been imposed by the US military on the perpetrators? Well, one soldier got a rank reduction and a pay cut. That’s it. Compare this to the fate that awaits Bradley Manning: up to 136-years in prison for exposing a host of similar atrocities and crimes.
This article was initially published after Manning was found guilt but before he received his final sentencing. He as since been sentanced to 35 years in prison.
