Ireland

Every year on 12 July, Ulster loyalists in the North of Ireland celebrate William of Orange’s victory at the Battle of the Boyne. In this article from 1913, Irish Marxist James Connolly explains the real meaning of these sectarian traditions.

This summer marks a century since the outbreak of civil war in Ireland, when fighting began between supporters of the Anglo-Irish Treaty and those demanding a sovereign Irish Republic. Today, the struggle for a Socialist United Ireland continues.

Following Thursday’s elections, Sinn Féin is now the largest party in Stormont. This will have explosive repercussions across Ireland and Britain: accelerating the crisis of unionism and sharpening UK-EU tensions.

Tensions are rising in the North of Ireland, with the Stormont Executive paralysed and unionism riven by the contradictions of Brexit. There is no solution to this crisis under capitalism. Only a Socialist United Ireland can offer a way out.

Irish activists Orla Murphy and Zac Lumley are facing trial – and possible severe punishment – this week for protesting against government inaction over climate change. We say: The capitalists are the real criminals! Solidarity with Orla and Zac!

50 years ago today, British soldiers opened fire on a civil rights demonstration in Derry, in the North of Ireland, killing 14 people. Only the struggle for a Socialist United Ireland can deliver justice for the victims of British imperialism.

The Tory government is on a collision course with the European Union over the question of trade and the North of Ireland. The capitalists on both sides are losing control of the situation. An explosive cocktail is being prepared.

Marxist societies across the country have been campaigning in solidarity with young Irish climate activists, who face serious charges for taking direct action. We say: Protest is not a crime! The capitalists are the real criminals!

Two young climate activists in Ireland are facing draconian punishments from the state in response to direct action taken earlier this year. We say: Solidarity with Orla and Zac! Protest is not a crime! The real criminals are the capitalists!

Recent events in Ireland have shone a light on the hypocrisy and haughtiness of the political establishment, who believe that there is one rule for them and another for the rest. But beneath the surface, an explosive anger is accumulating.

The Tories’ welfare ‘reforms’ have intentionally robbed thousands with disabilities and long-term illnesses of crucial support. We need a system that treats the most vulnerable in society with compassion, not contempt.