Dockers' Strike mural enveiling

by DL - Labour Fri Aug 10, 2007 12:02

The Feile website says its on Sunday?

by Socialist Fri Aug 10, 2007 12:29

Speakers from the PUP? The political wing of the still fully armed loyalist (LOYALIST i.e. pro-imperialist state) UVF. The PUP is a monarchist organisation that supports imperial Britain's warmongering. It is NOT a progressive working-class political party! Sinn Fein is at least social democratic and anti-imperialist; the PUP is monarchist and pro-imperialist.

by Puppy Fri Aug 10, 2007 13:58

I agree with all of the above about the PUP, however much some of the Trendy Lefties in Dublin wanted to embrace them when they were formed. But I suppose considering the theme of the strike was the unity of Catholic and Protestant working class, a representative from the Protestant community makes a lot of sense and as bad as the DUP might be, I could even less see the UUP or the DUP there.

by Socialist Fri Aug 10, 2007 16:06

Embrace them because they're better than the DUP and UUP? That's not a very convincing argument. There must be somebody in the Protestant communities with genuinely leftist progressive inclinations! But, for God's sake, inviting the monarchist mouthpieces of right-wing paramilitary death squads makes no sense.

Is there any non-loyalist progressive group in the Protestant community? Any socialists willing to name imperialism and monarchy for what it is? Can't think of any offhand, but there must be.

by Madigan Fri Aug 10, 2007 16:47

Yes I agree it seems very strange to invite a speaker from the PUP. But I can´t agree with the view that SF are the defenders of the working classes, take a look at their track record embracing Public Private Partnerships a sure fire way to shaft the working class in favour of capitalist speculators.

by me Fri Aug 10, 2007 18:11

Madigan: "I can´t agree with the view that SF are the defenders of the working classes"

Who said they were? The comment above correctly describe them as having social democratic leanings. Anybody that locates Sinn Fein and the PUP on the same place on the political spectrum is either a fool or a knave. The Shinners may be many things but monarchists and pro-imperialists they are not, even despite their cynical cosying up to Bush and co.

by The Tower Fri Aug 10, 2007 23:49

I hope I have not posted this twice. I would like to point out that many of the dockers on strike were sally rods. I would not vote for the PUP nor the Shinners. But it is great to see all sides reclaiming their working class heritage. A left wing ex docker prod.

by madigan Sat Aug 11, 2007 13:37

I´m glad you agree with me, that SF are not the defenders of the working class. Maybe you didnt say they were, but it IS the position many supporters and the leadership of SF try to put forward. (The SF banners at the Dublin Mayday march clearly claimed to be) I´m not too interested that they are marginally better than others because they are anti Monarchist as the Monarchy is an irrelavance in the 21st century. It´s working class politics that are important.

by hazel Sun Aug 12, 2007 01:09

surprised no one, mouths full of criticism for the PUP, has pointed out the IRSP, political wing of the criminal and terrorist INLA are also speaking. sounds like a terrible commemoration of a tremendous strike.

by Ciarán Mon Aug 13, 2007 01:07

Videos from the event

Pauline Buchanon (ICTU) - 2:40
http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=M4smzJzp_lA

Fra McCann (Sinn Féin) - 4:32
http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=raVnTfTQ-Qs

Gerry Ruddy (IRSP) - 3:30
http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=XVg82n_UVk0

Kevin Doherty (B&DTC) - 6:09
http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=ULH1EZ2TmjI