ISN's Finglas branch on the move

The G8 will be visiting Germany next summer, and the “travelling circus” of protesters (as it was dubbed by Tony Blair) are already mobilising for the occasion. But it seems clear that the hey-day of summit protests is long past.

The great Seattle protest of 1999 put “anti-capitalism” on the mainstream agenda. Having been consigned to the dust-bin of history after 1989, the idea of a left-wing alternative to capitalism was again being discussed. It came as a bit of a shock for those, like Blair, who thought “socialism” had died out with New Romanticism and other naff 80s movements.

Related Links: Indymedia anti-capitalist articles | Indymedia Summit Mobilization stories | Irish Socialist Network |

Thousands gathered in the Creggan, in Derry, Northern Ireland last Sunday to commemorate the murder of civilians by British Paratroopers in 1972.

The vote by Sinn Féin to accept the Northern police was expected, but not unanimously welcome. Anonymous grafitti and a protest banner unfurled during the speeches signalled the disquiet with Sinn Féin's new departure. However, much of the anti-Sinn Féin grafitti had been obscured overnight while Martina Anderson, the Sinn Féin speaker at the rally, said that Sinn Fein's new role would act a check on the PSNI, holding them accountable.

London 31.1.07

A man climbed outside of Irish embassy in London in protest over the Irish government's collusion with Shell's hellish activities in North West Ireland At midday today, while a samba band played below, a man who wished to be known as "G" climbed the Irish embassy. This was in protest over the Irish government’s collusion with Shell's activities in North West Ireland where they are constructing a pipeline and refinery. Many campaigners claim this pipeline and refinery pose as serious environmental risk. While there have been widespread protests in Ireland itself, many claim that the government of Ireland has given Shell suspiciously favourable business terms on the deal.

The event was good natured on both sides and "G", who was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, was released within 2 hours with a caution.

2006 Marching Season: Adams and the PSNI...

On Sunday Sinn Fein voted to support the Police Service of Northern Ireland at their extraordinary ard fheis which was attended by approximately 1,000 delegates.

The vote, which was recorded by a show of hands, came after 6 hours of debate and a series of amendments which Sinn Fein claim will “enhance the proposal”. The build-up to the ard fheis saw an unprecedented amount of positive press for Sinn Fein with the media calling today’s event a “historical moment” and suggesting that the party has finally matured beyond it’s revolutionary past. A Sunday Business post poll stated that 56% of people questioned would be more likely to vote for the party if they support the PSNI.

Related Links: Sinn Féin | Wikipedia: PIRA | Police Service Northern Ireland | Fourthwrite Magazine | The Blanket Magazine | Republican Sinn Féin | 32 CSM | IRSP | Eirigi | Patten Report | British Police: Republican Policemen?

The Handsome Jord

Canadian political-punk band Propagandhi played Dublin for the first time in five years on the 12th of December to a youthful and energetic crowd at the Temple Bar Music Centre. The band, known for the heavy political content of their albums and live shows, are touring to promote their latest album “Potemkin City Limits” their first release in over five years. After their show I talked with drummer Jord Samoleski about his life in politics and music.

Propagandhi have been quite busy in Winnipeg during their down time between albums with some band members helping to run their “G7 welcoming committee” record label and others involved in social justice work. Propagandhi are somewhat unique as punk-rockstars as they practice what they preach. All band members are vegans, in line with the band's strong stance on animal rights, and many are involved in radical social movements which they promote through their music.

Particpartory Economics | Propagandhi Wikipedia | Propagandhi’s Website | No-one is illegal | Canada-Haiti Action Network | Video distributed on their "Todays Empires..." album |