International Criminal Court: Ireland not yet ratified

by Daithi Fri Apr 05, 2002 15:38 macsithd at tcd dot ie

Yes, I know about their habits re referenda. But they don't have to win again, do they ? ;-)

I am indeed a member of the Labour party.

First of all, I don't claim to represent the party when writing such comments (unless I write Labour in the organisation space, for example when organising an event or making a party announcement). The benefit of not being a member of a political party not a cult (I'm not referring to the SP here, I'm talking in the abstract) is that you are free to think alone. Should I claim to speak on behalf of my colleagues in the unions and parties? No - it would simply be my arrogance if I did so.

Secondly, what I meant by my first remarks was that socialism alone is not the answer. I have a very strong commitment to democratic socialism; but I am also attracted by certain elements of both liberalism and anarchism. I don't believe in treating any author, philospher, leader or theorist as the Source of All Wisdom. Socialism is part of the answer but is hardly "the" answer.

Just my thoughts.

by Finghin Kelly Fri Apr 05, 2002 13:35

FF have a habit of not implementing legislation following a referendum!!

The fact is that it is Capitalism that is at the root of most international conflict, it really is only under Socialism that real international co-operation and peace can be achieved.
Forgive me if I am wrong but I thinbk your a member of the Labour party. So the Labour Party are not arguing for Socialism, it just goes to show how far the sell out of the Labour Party has gone in the past 15 years.

by Daithi Thu Apr 04, 2002 15:32

Firstly, the idea that only socialism can defeat war and imperialism is a little on the simplistic side - nice as a slogan but not as a tactic.

Secondly, I'm hopeful that the ICC can actually have some real power - if leftwingers and activists try and interact with it from an early stage - any international organisation has the potential to be an agent for real change if we do not allow ourselves to adopt a defeatist attitude. It can be a tool if we are brave enough to use it.

Finally, as of last Thursday, we are just about to ratify - the Fianna Fail government, after lying to the Dail for months by saying that complicated legislation was required to put into effect the referendum on the ICC, passed a resolution under article 29 allowing the State to "ratify" the "Statute of the ICC". They promised that the next government could do the technical stuff if necessary.

So it looks as if (despite the tactics of FF), we're in. We should now work to use the court to the advantage of peace and progress - like our early days at the UN, not like Cowen's shameful performance at the Security Council of late.

by Finghin Kelly - Socialist Youth Thu Apr 04, 2002 12:18

I severly doubt that an ICC would prevent Bush from attacking Iraq or any other country. International law regarding war crimes is already in place does this prevent the crimes of US imperialism?

Ultimatley war and imperialism such as that practiced by Bush etc can only be eliminated with Socialism.