Report of Anti-War Meeting held in Dublin on 22 April

national | anti-war / imperialism | news report

Thursday April 27, 2006 15:16

by Fintan Lane - Anti-War Ireland

Dublin 20

Some personal reflections

I1m not sure if anybody was actually tasked with producing a public report of the 22 April anti-war gathering in Dublin, so I hope there are no objections if I give my own personal reflections on the event.

This second open anti-war gathering was held in the Teachers' Club, Parnell Square, Dublin, last Saturday between 2.30 and 5.30pm.

ATTENDANCE

Roughly 30 people were present, almost entirely from Dublin, but including three or four non-Dubs from Cork, Shannon and elsewhere. As with the previous meeting, there was a healthy cross-section of the anti-war movement represented, including members of Cosantoiri Siochana, Anti-War Ireland, IAWM, Grassroots Dissent, WSM, Pitstop Ploughshares, the Unmanageables (great name for a women's group!), Dublin Catholic Worker, and various others (please feel free to add names). There were also quite a few 'unaligned' individuals present, as well as at least, I believe, one member each of the Green Party and the SWP (both 'personal capacity', I suspect).

Overall, it was a good attendance; those present, in the main, were anti-war activists of one hue or other.
The meeting was facilitated by Coilin O hAiseadha and Mark Price of Cosantoiri Siochana, who did a good job of keeping the discussion on track. Importantly, neither was involved in any of the previous disputes in the anti-war movement and thus have no baggage.

DISCUSSION
There was a general acceptance of the need to put some shape on the coordination aspect of this initiative. Many solid proposals were advanced regarding types of action, but ultimately the discussion focused on the need to structure the coordination and cooperation in order to generally strengthen the anti-war movement. It was accepted (I think) that we are not forming an umbrella group to centralise the anti-war movement; rather, the task is to establish a coordination mechanism to facilitate both communication between the groups and joint activities as cooperation develops. To succeed, this will almost certainly require a mix of organisation and spontaneity. In the short-term, it will require increased participation from the various groups at the plenary sessions.

The emphasis, therefore, whittled down to two things:

1. Organising a modest action that could get the groups (and others) working together in the short-term.

After discussion, it was clear that the poster ban in Dublin was seen as an issue that needs to be confronted and it was agreed to organise a picket of the council meeting; this is to be done in conjunction with other groups and individuals. I should stress, however, that the intention is to do something modest initially and not to launch a full-blown campaign, though the need for such is obvious. A sub-group has been established to organise this. Details of the planned picket (to be held in early May) will no doubt be posted on indymedia in due course.

2. Coordination within the anti-war movement and the development of a democratic mechanism through which we can work together.

The intention is to engage with the various anti-war groups, involve them in discussion on how we can work together to strengthen the anti-war movement and draw them into the coordination process. A short-term intention is to increase the representation at the 'plenary' sessions.

DIFFICULTIES

The outlook for constructive cooperation is very good indeed, but some difficulties still exist.

1. A few of those attending seemed to view the proceedings as a meeting of a new anti-war group rather than a gathering to discuss/organise coordination and cooperation. This can be awkward as such activists, understandably, keep putting forward very specific action proposals (such as "let's organise a letter-writing campaign to TDs" etc. etc.). In fact, many great suggestions were put forward, but to move on all of these would mean acting as a distinct anti-war group rather than as a gathering to facilitate coordination, networking and cooperation. Obviously, with regard to the role of these gatherings, we must be clear about our objectives. If people misunderstand the purpose of the meetings, they are liable to be surprised (and, perhaps, disillusioned) when few suggested activities are adopted. Clarity is important.

2. The coordination mechanism still requires formal endorsement by the various organisations/groups, and, in my opinion, coordination will be no more than an aspiration until this occurs. The coordination sub-group is tasked with coming up with ideas on how to make this real. I am optimistic, though it is important that existing groups see this effort at coordination and cooperation as an opportunity rather than as a threat.

Overall, I thought the meeting went extremely well and broke up in very good spirits. It seemed to me that the general feeling was that progress had been made not bad for a second meeting!

The remarks above are not meant as a comprehensive report of the meeting, which was wide-ranging, and I'm sure others will add to the detail in their comments.

The next 'plenary' meeting will be held on 15 May (probably in the Teachers' Club) and anti-war activists really should make the effort to attend.

Care/act

save preference

Comments (18 of 18)

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when?

by joe

Thu Apr 27, 2006 15:45

When is the picket on Dublin Corporation? The poster ban is shameful and an attack on free speech.

Picket

by Puzzled

Thu Apr 27, 2006 23:39

Puzzled as to how the poster ban is relevant to the war. Other than in a general, everything is relevant to everything else kind of a way....

Isn't there, also, another campaign against the poster ban? And isn't the only action they have ever done the same as what this group is proposing to do- that is, picket the City Council meetings?

The silenced majority

by Seán Ryan

Fri Apr 28, 2006 10:39

The picket will take place next Thursday morning outside the Mansion house. All are welcome and the more the merrier.

Your support is needed.

There has been a motion before Dublin City Council for ages to lift this illegal ban on free speech, but it is never aired. The Mayor has the power to bring this issue to the forefront of and to a vote at any meeting of the council, but she doesn't. She has been questioned on this and has responded with bluster and shite.

We will not accept this from her, she is our servant - we are not her servants.

Will you accept this?

I'll post details in a day or two as they become available.

Seán

by pat c

Fri Apr 28, 2006 10:54

what time were you thinking of holding the picket at? The morning might not be the best time for getting a good attendance. Lunchtime or after work might ensure a better turnout.

Correction: Next meeting is on 13 May

by Fintan Lane - Anti-War Ireland (and Irish Socialist Network)

Fri Apr 28, 2006 11:01

The next meeting (which is open to all anti-war activists) will be held on Saturday, 13 May (and not the 15th as stated above).

The poster ban matters to anti-war activists for patently obvious reasons.

Well done Sean

by MichaelY - iawm

Fri Apr 28, 2006 12:52

Good, objective and spot on report.
Couple of bits of news to attach:
The two sub groups which arose from the April 22nd meeting met last night /Thursday 28th. The first, on Structures, will meet again next Thursday and report to the May 13th plenary. A number of anti-war groups/organisations are being invited to contribute. The second, on the poster ban issue, is preparing for the DCC picket mentioned above.
The iawm Steering Group also met on Wednesday and endorsed our support for the objectives of the April 22nd meeting. Members of the Steering Group will continue to attend.
Finally, as a small addendum to Sean's report, the second area of activity discussed on April 22nd, and likely to develop further, is the support to the two sets of anti-war activists arrested and going through the Court system at the moment: Mary Kelly and the Ploughshares/Catholic Workers and the Baldonnel defendents. This, I believe, should be one important item on the agenda for the May 13th meeting.
Watch this space for further news. All contributions obviously welcome.

sean?

by curious

Fri Apr 28, 2006 13:04

Your mate sean didn't write the report Michael. Your reading too quickly my friend which is never a good idea. Btw, can we get more details soon on the poster picket? It's only next week so details asap would be good.

Thank you my perceptive curious friend

Fri Apr 28, 2006 13:15

You're absolutely right...btw Fintan is also my friend and my full apologies to him - everything I wrote stands...just substitute Fintan for Sean.
BTW - Sean did write a good report on the poster picketing ban a few days ago - thus the confusion.

Curious - it's great to be corrected...and in such a friendly fashion - lol! Perhaps a sign of a changing wind.
I don't have details of the picket as yet - we'll post as soon as available

Cheers

Explain pleeze

by John

Fri Apr 28, 2006 16:01

Why are there no reports of these antiwar coordination meetings on the IAWM website??? Shouldn't they be heavily promoting this stuff?

John

by Rathmines

Fri Apr 28, 2006 16:10

They are not appearing on the IAWM site because the SWP disapprove of any cooperation with other anti-war groups. It doesnt matter what is decided at IAWM meetings because the SWP control the apparatus. If the SWP disagree with a decision made by the IAWM then that decision will not be publicised on the IAWM website or through any IAWM communication channels which are controlled by the SWP. You may have read of the recent controversy in the PBPA when a motion was passed at a PBPA public meeting. However it turned out that the motion was contrary to SWP policy so the motion was buried.

by guydebord

Fri Apr 28, 2006 16:26

The person charged for attempting to piss in a field was given a 150euro fine today, given that he has moved here from abroad and is working in a precarious contract job solidarity of the kind you can put in the bank is welcome.

Contact anarchist prisoner support - weknowitwasyou -at- riseup -dot- net

Focus on the important issues

Fri Apr 28, 2006 16:59

This is an important thread on the future of anti-war action in Ireland. A number of people, including a whole set of swp militants, are working together to get things moving. Attacking and denigrating does not help. Respond to Fintan's report - come to the meeting and help...
As far as I am concerned, the 4,000 or so people in the iawm database will be emailed about the meetings. The forthcoming national iawm meeting will discuss and decide on the organisation's full attitude in relation to the co-ordination network. Will ask the two people in charge of the website to include a note on the meetings.
Anonymous jibes and poison against the swp only reflects the minds of their authors. Please keep focussing on the important issue: warmongering on Iran, the war in Iraq and the complicity of the FF/PD Coalition with the Crusaders.

Michael Y - Yawn. Focus on an important issue

by Zorba

Fri Apr 28, 2006 17:38

"A number of people, including a whole set of swp militants, are working together to get things moving."

I've read the report and there is no proof that swp militants are working together. The report says that the SWP person who attended the first meeting didn't show for the second meeting. Are these 'swp militants' a figment of your imagination? BTW there was an anti-war movement in Ireland before you arrived back with a history.

The inner workings of Zorba

Fri Apr 28, 2006 18:43

Of course there was and there is an anti-war movement....who organised the 100,000 plus to get out into the streets against the war? Who organised the demonstrations in Shannon? Who over the last few months, brought Cindy Sheehan, brought Iraqi veterans, brought Chomsky, brough Tariq Ali to Ireland? Who organised the latest street demonstration? Who organised Baldonnel? Who organised the latest couple of meetings in order to create a network - a co-ordination? Who met on Wednesday and last night - four meetings I know of. Who was in court in Kilmainham?
As for Zorba....the real life character who lived in Crete, not the Mexican clone, he was a rather pitiful womaniser, and not a very successful one, prone to serious drinking bouts, lots of 'Who do you think you are?' type fights in the streets... a sort of boyo without too much to say for himself. Certainly not a very worthwhile role model for a serious antiwar militant like yourself.
Can you do any better? Can you at least dance? Even as a joke sunshine?

Skirting my point Michael Yawn

by Zorba the womanising Cretan

Fri Apr 28, 2006 18:48

"Who organised the demonstrations in Shannon? Who over the last few months, brought Cindy Sheehan, brought Iraqi veterans, brought Chomsky, brough Tariq Ali to Ireland? Who organised the latest street demonstration? Who organised Baldonnel? Who organised the latest couple of meetings in order to create a network - a co-ordination? Who met on Wednesday and last night - four meetings I know of. Who was in court in Kilmainham?"

I assume the answer to this is the broad anti-war movement in Ireland not just IAWM. Why were you emphasising SWP militants earliers when they weren't related to what you were talking about?

Spot on assumption.

Fri Apr 28, 2006 19:16

Yes you're right - both the past but also present of the antiwar movement in Ireland, north and south, is much larger that any smaller component part...be it the iawm or the swp, or any organisation. My mention of the swp was a response, perhaps boring in your opinion for which I am so so so sorry, to some earlier messages by rathmines and others who instead of focussing on the subject of the thread were galloping again on their so dear anti-swp horse.
What Zorba would have said in this juncture would have been something like: For Christ sake [he was very anti-clerical you know], lets leave those bloody etiquettes [he meant labels but his English being rather elementary he used the Greek equivalent] and concentrate on the juice of the matter....right?

in no particular order

by still puzzled

Fri Apr 28, 2006 22:44

"Please keep focusing on the important issue: warmongering on Iran, the war in Iraq and the complicity of the FF/PD Coalition with the Crusaders."

And the poster ban.

Tis happening at.

Fri Apr 28, 2006 23:40

Howdy Pat.

The picket's happening between 11am and noon. - http://www.indymedia.ie/article/75740

The reason for the early start has to do with getting media to the event. I'd prefer a later start meself cause I'll be travelling from Tipp to attend. Far as I know some politicians will be coming too.

We'll have some music too.

Apologies for the inconvenience that this causes for workers et al. We'd appreciate a good turnout all the more.

Regards

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Report of Anti-War Meeting held in Dublin on 22 April

Comments (18 of 18)