The progressive alternative to British occupation and imperialism has been the Socialist-Republican political ideology. A 32 County Socialist and Democratic Irish Republic was proclaimed on Easter Monday 1916 and democratically endorsed in January, 1919 but was subverted by the Anglo-Irish Treaty of December, 1921 and the establishment of the Free State and the Partition of Ireland.
Ever since, Irish Republicans have resisted both the British and Free State. We are totally opposed to both States, their Institutions and Armed Forces. Republicans believe that there needs to be a restoration of the All-Ireland Republic to achieve the full social, economic and political freedom of the Irish people. The requirement of a forward looking and radical Irish Republic advocated by Republican Activists is not a 32 County Ireland but a Socialist Democratic Republic.
Éire Nua:
One of the most radical proposals that emerged from Republicans was Éire Nua which sought a Federal Ireland based on the historic four provinces including a nine-county Ulster.
Éire Nua was penned by IRA Leader, Dáithí Ó Conaill who envisaged a sovereign Socialist Democratic Irish Republic that would be created when the British withdraw from the six northeastern Counties and allow the Irish electorate as a whole to decide the future without interference from the British government.
The purpose of the federal structure was demonstrate to Unionists that they would be able to have a separate and equal Parliament within an Irish Republic. The new arrangement would also help address historic economic imbalances between the other three Provinces.
Éire Nua was changed in 1979 to include the socialist dimension of the Provisional Movement. It stated that; ‘The social and economic programme envisaged entails the placing of Irish wealth in the hands of the people, to be exploited and developed by them in the interests of all the people.
In spite of Éire Nua’s rejection by reformists within Provisional Sinn Féin in 1982. It remains the main policy of Republican Sinn Féin (RSF) since 1986. RSF has made a number of additions to Éire Nua to include the Federal model as a participative democracy rather than a representative democracy. As well as, A new constitution and Rights Charter. Whereas the Party endorses sustainable development in it’s Saol Nua - A new way of life document. Based on the teachings of the late radical economist, E.F. Schumacher.
Republican Socialist Programme for Ireland:
In October 2010, the Irish Republican Socialist Party (IRSP) published; ‘Republican Socialist Programme for Ireland’ and ‘Perspectives on the future of Republican Socialism in Ireland’. The IRSP is descended from the Official Republican Movement, which split from the Officials in 1974. The Party is committed to Marxism, anti-capitalism and the creation of an Irish workers' Republic.
The IRSP has been attacked many times in its existence by the Officials and former colleagues which led to scores of the untimely deaths of prominent Republican Leaders such as, Seamus Costello, Ronnie Bunting and Gino Gallagher. The Republican Socialist Movement (RSM) has distinguished itself as an integral part of the Irish freedom struggle and has played a key role in its development in the late 20th Century onwards.
The Republican Socialist Programme for Ireland was published in late 2010 and prepared the Party for the 2011 Council Elections in the Six Counties. Even though the IRSP failed to have any of its Candidates elected, its manifesto helped the electorate to have a Left alternative to cast their votes for, rather than reformist and pro-imperialist Parties. The only criticisms I have was the failure of both the IRSP and Eirigi in not agreeing an electoral pact and in both Parties standing in the same Constituencies.
The Republican Socialist Programme outlines how the IRSP has the answer to the current political crisis facing the Irish people. It is a a radical, viable and progressive project which understands how the Party will tackle the political failures of the past. It also states how the working-class have been repeatedly let down by successive Governments who promised much and delivered nothing to the Irish people. It expresses how Republican-Socialism must lead the nation into a better future.
Based on the teachings of Republican Socialist ideologues, James Connolly, Seamus Costello and Ta Power the new Programme which identifies political, social and economic problems and offers practical solutions. That will positively impact on the electorate in future if the manifesto is adopted by the Irish people. The Republican Socialist Programme is a timely and positive contribution by the RSM.
From Socialism Alone Can the Salvation of Ireland Come:
Published in 2010, the above analysis was produced by Eirígí', a relatively new Socialist - Republican Irish political Party on the island. Eirígí' was formed in 2006, firstly as a lobby group which later became a Political Party in its own right.
From Socialism Alone Can the Salvation of Ireland Come outlines Eirigi’s argument for an entirely new 32-County Irish Republic based not on the current socio-economic system. The Party prefers the creation of an All-Ireland Socialist - Republican Republic, an end to the imperialist British occupation and Partition.
Eirígí believes an Irish Republic based on the principles of sovereignty, democracy, community liberty, justice, equality, democracy, and international solidarity. The Party that such a model will be the only viable model for the people of Ireland to reach their full potential.
Unfortunately, Irish society is run in the interests of private profit, with power in the hands of 1% of the island’s populace. Who have exploited the majority of working-class families, people and communities.
The manifestos all have a strong emphasis on the need for the social, economic and political empowerment of Irish citizens. The original Éire Nua document had to much Christianity involved in a political policy. However, it has been revised twice since then with the most recent presentation in 2001.
The most positive aspect of the three policies is that they all give prominence for the political direction of our future must be a Socialist Republic. A radical approach to a new Ireland has to put the basic needs of people first in terms of affordable housing, health, education and food and water provision.
The three proposals are all viable as a Democratic Socialist Republic, would meet everyones needs in the above areas and create full employment for all our citizens has not been attempted yet. R.S.F.,the I.R.S.P., Eirígí and other Republicans,Socialists and Democrats need to collectively agree on the exact model which would ensure a unified approach on Ireland’s future. It would require respect for each Party's proposal and maybe small compromises. However, the end result would be a comprehensive alternative to the failed system Irish citizens are forced to endure. Another Ireland is possible, another future is necessary.
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