What's Left? Unity?

The SWP hasn't really engaged in Public debate on the subject of Left Unity but have decided to state our position in relation to recent statements by the Socialist Party.
There are a lot of new people entering into struggle, and radical politics, for the first time and we feel it's appropriate now to make our views known.

Left Unity: Time to move on

The need for a radical left formation in Ireland could hardly be more urgent. We are in the midst of the deepest global capitalist crisis since the 1930s and the economic collapse is worse in Ireland than many other countries. Workers are facing extremely serious attacks on living standards and are getting no leadership from the Labour Party and the union bureaucracy which is closely tied to it. Sinn Fein has entered a period of political turmoil that has arisen from efforts to position itself as a potential coalition party with the Right.

Indications that a significant minority of workers are looking for a real alternatives is evident from the votes for Joe Higgins in the European election and the good showing of People Before Profit Alliance, the Socialist Party, the Tipperary Workers and Unemployed Action Group, the Workers Party and Left independents in the local elections.

Related Links:
Original Call from the Socialist Party

Local Election Socialist Alliance Proposed
Local Election Socialist Alliance Rejected

Drop it like it's hot - "Climate Action Now"

Hundreds participated in Climate Camp at Shannonbridge, which was held under the shadow of the peat burning powerstation.
The Climate Camp organised three events to create better awareness around the industrial use of peat in powerstations.

Related Links from Indymedia.ie:
Nurturing and reclaiming our city, our commons, our communities | Hundreds expected to camp for climate justice in Co. Offaly | Climate Campers take Direct Action on Bog Restoration | CLIMATE CAMP - Wish you were here !

Upcoming Action
Drain Blocking on Lodge Bog for Bog Restoration, Co Kildare

External Websites
Climate Camp Ireland Website - www.climatecamp.ie | Friends of the Earth (FoE) Climate Change Pages | Stop Climate Chaos - Ireland

Fianna Fáil's Garret Tubridy unknowingly contributed to the eco-conscious Climate Camp at Shannonbridge. Recent local election posters were reused as part of the men's toilet facilities. Users did not have to look at his face. Gavin Harte gave a talk on communicating the media message with plenty of workshops on drumming, Rossport, permaculture, the endless dreamcatchers and there were more banners being made than you could shake a stick at. It was great for kids and parents alike.

We Don't Need to be Tolled Twice

The Irish Government will pay compensation for tolls of the M3 if the traffic falls below the established minimum.
A report from Ferrovial dated 2008, on their website, states:

“The concession agreement establishes guaranteed minimum traffic levels and the Irish government has to pay the Concession Company compensation if traffic falls below the established minimums”.

Related Links: Tara - N3 - Widen The Road Instead. Traffic, Cars and Peak Oil - In this article from 2004 it was spelt out that with Peak Oil imminent then that the traffic levels will never be justified and the M3 will turn out to be a complete waste of time and resources and Tara will be destroyed for nothing. We are now post Peak Oil and the number of cars and traffic is falling.

Opposition TDs and Senators Pledge to Challenge Government Over M3 Motorway | Press Release - Tara court cases dismissed | Victory for Tara defenders triumph at Trim | Tara : Photos/YouTube video of yesterday's Nonviolent Direct Action against M3 | Transport Plan to Remove M3 Tolls, Accelerate Rail Link with Government

SaveTara.com

Aung San Suu Kyi

Burma Action Ireland welcomes the opening of a Book of Solidarity for imprisoned Aung San Suu Kyi by the Lord Mayor Emer Costello. The Book of Solidarity calling for the immediate release of the Nobel Laureate and Freeman of Dublin was opened today in City Hall. BAI urges the public to sign the book in solidarity with Daw Suu Kyi and asks that we "use our freedom to promote hers".

Burma Action Ireland warmly welcomes the auspicious initiative of Dublin's Lord Mayor, Councillor Emer Costello, in opening a Book of Solidarity for Burma's imprisoned democratic leader, Aung San Suu Kyi. This is a most timely reminder to the citizens of Dublin that this brave Prisoner of Conscience, now in her fourteenth year under house arrest, is a Freeman of Dublin.

Speaking today, Gearoid Kilgallen, Chairperson, Burma Action Ireland said, “we are more than happy to endorse the appeal of the Lord Mayor to the citizens of Dublin, and all who may be visiting, to spare a few minutes to come along to the City Hall in support of a very courageous woman, whose name adds new lustre to the ancient list of Freemen of Dublin. Right now she needs the support of all who value the ideals of justice, freedom and democracy. These are bleak days for all the hapless people of Burma, but especially for the two thousand plus political prisoners languishing under brutal conditions in the ruthless generals' fetid prisons. We call upon all to respond to that poignant plea of Aung San Suu Kyi who is on record as saying, “I hope that the world will not forget us". Let us ensure that she and all who suffer in Burma will not be forgotten here in this ancient city of Dublin, to which we hope she will journey some happier day as a really free ' Freeman of Dublin' .

The Lord Mayor opened the book at City Hall, Castle Street on Monday 17th August 2009 at 1.00pm, calling on the Military Junta in Burma, to immediately release Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest. The book will be open to the public for signing on Monday 17th August from 1.00p.m to 5.00p.m, and from Tuesday 18th August to Thursday 20th August 2009 from 10.00a.m to 5.00p.m.

Lord Mayor, Councillor Emer Costello, Former Lord Mayor, Councillor Mary Freehill, Gearoid Kilgallen, Chairperson Burma Action Ireland (BAI), and Niamh Rooney, Co-ordinator, spoke at the City Hall event.

Niall with supporters leaving Cloverhill Prison

Niall Harnett has been released from custody following confusing circumstances involving a temporary release of sorts last Friday 14th and a withdrawn 'mute' application at the High Court in Cloverhill today Monday 17th August.

Related Links from Indymedia.ie:
Two Anti-Shell Campaigners Jailed for Civil Disobedience | A weekend in Erris at the national Shell to Sea meeting | Shell's Lackey's in the Media Out in Force Again | Message to an Bord Snip Nua. Resolve the Recession. Tax Shell! | Reports that Pat the Chief's boat was sunk last night | Massacre of Indigineous Amazonians in Peru - 25 dead and counting | The Pirates of Broadhaven Defeat Shell’s Armada | Prison van carrying Maura into Montjoy blockaded for 20 minutes by Dublin S2S | Shell security attack Willie Corduff after illegal Glengad compound dismantled | Scuffles At Mountjoy As Maura Harrington Is Jailed |

Related Links outside of Indymedia.ie
The website of Shell-to-Sea - CorribSOS.com
Keep the pressure up: Contact ALL TDs, Senators, and MEPs in Ireland and let them know how you feel about Shell in Rossport - Contact.ie

Niall was given what he thought was a 'temporary or technical weekend release' on Friday last at Castlerea, pending his court appearance this morning.

“Apologies to everyone for not declaring that I was given what can only be described as a 'technical' release last Friday, but I was confused as to what to do over the weekend and thought it better just to lie low and hook up with Carol to see how she was getting on. But it's great to be out now, in any case”, said Niall