Unity

From Unity, 5 July 2008

Forward with a united front

Report of the Northern Area Congress

Comrades from mid-Ulster and beyond were congratulated on the establishment of a new CPI branch, which was launched at the Northern Area Congress last week. The branch was formally launched, whose speech is reproduced here.
     The launch of the new branch took place after the discussion on party organisation, which was one of the four areas that the congress made a critical analysis of. These areas are all interlinked and include the political situation, industrial and economic issues, and broad areas of work regarding specific needs, such as youth, women, migrant workers, and culture.
     Regarding the political situation, comrades discussed the major changes that have taken place since our last area congress and the shift in both Sinn Féin and unionist politics, all of which provide opportunities for the Communist Party. Regarding the industrial scene, it was noted that the Civic Forum is up for debate and that there is a need to examine the possibilities there. The chorus of left criticism of various policies and programmes of the Northern Ireland Assembly needs to be backed up with alternative policies on issues like public service budgets, public-private finance initiatives, water charges, and inadequate or reduced funding.

Fighting racism
The other areas of struggle focused on the need to fight racism and the growth of fascist and right-wing activism and ideas. The congress document stated that the migration of peoples and mixing of cultures has always been a feature of human society and a source of richness and great strength. However, it has also been associated with politically and economically enforced migration and racist tension and violence, used to divide and weaken class unity.

The women’s movement
The women’s movement is a core component of both the democratic movement for the elimination of inequality and discrimination and the labour movement. Discussion took place in relation to women workers’ experience of low pay and job insecurity. Gender inequality has also to be recognised and combated in the law, in public life, in family life, and in personal relations. Single-issue organisations and campaigns led by women continue to be of crucial importance in the areas of peace, education, employment, health and social care, housing, participation in public life, and anti-sexism.

Youth
The Communist Party rejects attempts to treat people by virtue of their age as a work force to be trained up and exploited through low wages and insecure employment, as a consumer market to be targeted, or as a social problem to be controlled.

Culture
Popular culture was examined and the discussion built upon the paper that was produced by Mel Corry in Unity two weeks ago. The resolution noted that in the coming period the Communist Party has a special responsibility to ensure that a class component is sustained and nurtured as part of an alternative culture, in particular through
• marking the annual round of progressive cultural events: Burns Night, the Easter Rising, May Day, and the October Revolution;
• commemorating historic anniversaries—starting with the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Part of Ireland this year and the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution next year;
• supporting the annual “Dungiven Programme”;
• exploring with artists and musicians within or close to the party how best the influence and support of our facilities (the premises, Unity) can be used to promote class consciousness;
• considering what role existing progressive educational and arts institutions could play in promoting a culture expressing a “people’s politics.”
     Finally, the organisation resolution laid down a base through which to carry out the party activity. This includes the need to produce more material in pamphlet form and to organise better meetings. A report on Unity and finance was given, with some ongoing debate around these issues. The resolution drew attention to the excellent education programme that took place this year and the need to build on this success, using some branch nights to have open meetings, with the use of outside speakers and films. In the next three month we are committed to having a national school, a national industrial meeting, and the 75th anniversary of the CPI, incorporating the civil rights anniversary, as well as all the usual political and personal commitments.
     The congress was the culmination of a series of discussions with comrades from both inside and outside the CPI. Everyone who has contributed to the success of this work is to be thanked.

Greetings from the Southern Area

Any gathering of communists is always an important occasion for bringing together the collective experience and knowledge from a whole range of struggles to bear upon the current political situation and to plan a way forward.
     The recent victory of the No forces in the South delivered a major blow to the Irish establishment, from their political parties, business organisations, the ICTU, the professional poverty lobbyists, and farm leaders. It was a significant rebuff to the EU elites and has provoked a firestorm of criticism and abuse by pro-imperialist forces across the EU against our people.
     Our party, small and all that we are, rose to the occasion, as we have done throughout our history, to defend the interest of our nation and our class. We played a significant role in that struggle to mobilise working people, small farmers and local fishing communities against the Treaty of Lisbon. Our contribution was not publicly recognised, but those on the Yes side and significant forces within the trade union movement know the role that our party played. By our actions we are shaping the future course of our country, north and south.
     We had in the past and we still do today have courage to stand up for what we believe is right and just, despite the forces ranged against us and what others might think of us.
     Comrades, with your discussions and debates and the decisions arrived at today, combined with our collective experience, we can rebuild the Communist Party of Ireland into a stronger, more militant voice for our class. We carry forward the legacy of great working-class leaders like Seán Murray, Billy McCullough, Betty Sinclair, Andy Barr, Jimmy Graham, Seán Nolan, Michael O’Riordan, and many others.
     Your congress will help clarify some of the many questions that we face and bring greater unity of purpose to our work.
     Once again, comrades, my apologies for not being with you.
     Yours in solidarity,
     Eugene McCartan,
     General secretary.

Home page > Publications > Unity > Report of the Northern Area Congress

Baile > Foilseacháin > Unity > Report of the Northern Area Congress