New left group formed

dublin | rights, freedoms and repression | opinion/analysis Sunday December 14, 2008 17:11 by Conor. M - Think Tank, Swords liberalconormurphy at ymail dot com

Unity

This is basically about a new group formed in Swords, Co.Dublin.

I know we're all sick of the same rhetoric. Unity this, and unity that. I've spent the last year in a whirlwind of left wing propaganda. There's no doubt, left wing propaganda is better than right wing. But this 'rhetoric' of unity. It does seem ridiculous, or does it? All Left-wing groups in this country and abroad have the same problem. Each and every one of them boast solidarity and unity but, excuse the bluntness.... I've seen none of it here.

Left groups have been squabbling for years, all the time the centre and right Governments around the world are flourishing. I strongly believe in unity on the left. I know each group has to argue their perspective and what not but, where has it got them? I recently heard someone say, all the parties and groups on the left want to be 'big fish in a small sea'. I dont specifically agree with the statement, but I do understand what he/she meant.

I'm not here to bash people on the left, they do a good job of it themselves. But, is there an alternative? Is there somewhere to go where you are not obliged to except a specific 'set of rules' or ideology? Yes.

I have recently set up a group. We are in Swords, Co.Dublin and in the very earliest stages of our movement. I will probably be bombarded for not conforming to a 'normal' group on the left. I apologise to anyone offended for going against the grain.

For the first meeting we simply discussed local, national and (briefly) international issues. We raised political and social awareness for those in the dark and openly invited anyone, with any opinion to share there views. I believe with a little work and publicity, this group of ours will gradually build, due to its open nature. The people so far, are enthusiastic and rearing to go. Once we have established ourselves, I believe we can make a positive contribution to society, as well as being an informative group. We will not corner ourselves with any one ideology. We can take an optimistic approach, and take the good from all perspectives. The whole point of this group is for some real, genuine unity. We will be involved with workers issues, environmental issues, human/womens/gay/immigrant/animals rights, Lisbon treaty, and an array of other things.

Next Wednesday we are meeting to finally come up with our name, as we have been going with (the imaginative), 'Think Tank Swords' (its better than nothing).

There's plenty more I could say, but you get the idea. If you have any interest, please send an e-mail. There will be no pressure involved with this group. Do what you can, do what you want. I hope to hear some responses,

All the best.