Ireland: ‘Common History, Common Struggle’ – from an error of emphasis to opportunism
Ben Curry reviews Peter Hadden’s book on the history of the class struggle in Ireland, and asks: how should Marxists approach the national question?
Europe
Ireland after the elections: a new period of instability opens up
Ireland was previously hailed by liberal commentators for bucking the trend of political instability. But it has now caught up with a bang. The rise of Sinn Féin has delivered the establishment and the two-party system a decisive blow.
Irish general election: establishment parties rejected as Sinn Féin gains ground
The results of the general election show that Ireland has caught up with the rest of Europe in terms of political polarisation and the collapse of the centre ground. The country is set for a new period of instability.
France: Militant general strike continues to spread
French workers have demonstrated staggering resolve to continue their general strike against Macron’s pension ‘reforms’. New layers continue to enter the fight. Only a break with the system can provide a way forward.
Longest strike since May ’68 rocks France
Workers in France have been striking since early December, fighting against the attacks of the reactionary Macron government. To win, the struggle needs to escalate. This requires a political perspective of bringing down the Macron regime.
Disaster for DUP as ground shifts in the North of Ireland
The recent UK election results have added to tensions in the North of Ireland, delivering a blow to the DUP and boosting demands for a border poll. Only a united working-class struggle can offer a way forward.
Greece: the lessons of Syriza’s betrayal
Syriza’s betrayal demonstrates how anti-austerity governments must break with capitalism or be forced to enact the austerity demanded by the crisis. This is an essential lesson for the British Labour movement, with a possible Corbyn government.
Resistance and Rebellion: Not much of these here
As in any country, the ruling class in Ireland have distorted their history to disguise the role of the revolutionary masses. In Resistance and Rebellion, by RTE, the revolutionary role of James Connolly and the Irish masses are obscurred.
50 years ago: The Battle of the Bogside
Fifty years ago today, British troops were sent into the North of Ireland, marking the start of the Troubles. Rob Sewell explains why only the fight for a Socialist United Ireland can bring an end to sectarianism.
Greek elections: Syriza defeat the cost of betrayal
The left-wing Syriza party in Greece has been defeated in the polls after capitulating to the capitalists and carrying out austerity whilst in government. This is a vital lesson for the left in Britain and internationally.
Local elections in Ireland: where next?
Recent elections in Ireland have seen a surge in support for the Greens and a continuing stagnation for the country’s two historically dominant parties. The ruling class is full of pessimism about the stability of their system.
Bloody Sunday: one soldier prosecuted – but still no justice
The British establishment have put all the blame for the Bloody Sunday massacre on the shoulders of just one ‘rogue’ soldier. But the crimes of British imperialism in the North of Ireland go far deeper than this.