Europe

North of Ireland elections

11th May 2016 Socialist Action 0

Support Sinn Féin struggle against Tory cuts and defence of peace process

By Tom Leary

The outcome of the latest elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly was broadly unchanged. But there was a modest setback for Sinn Féin which saw its representation fall by one Assembly member and its share of first preference votes dipped 2.9 per cent to 24 per cent. The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) topped the poll once more with unchanged seats and 29.2 per cent of the vote, down just under 1 per cent.

The historic and contemporary significance of the 1916 Easter Rising

30th March 2016 Socialist Action 0

By Stephen Bell

In 1916 the Easter Rising represented the resumption of the struggle for Irish freedom. The decision in 1914 of the Irish National Volunteers and the Irish Parliamentary Party to support the British government in the inter-imperialist war effectively subsumed the national movement. By 1916 hopes for an early victory by either side in the war had disappeared. It was time to reclaim hope for Ireland at home, from its slaughter overseas.

Government parties of austerity trounced in Irish election – Sinn Fein advances

29th February 2016 Socialist Action 0

The governing coalition of Fine Gael and Labour suffered a humiliating rejection at the hands of Irish voters in the General Election and the anti-austerity forces advanced. This continued the pattern evident in both the Portuguese and Spanish elections in 2015. It may also set the stage for renewed elections to the Dáil in Dublin later this year as no party looks able to form a stable government.

Two visions of Ireland at stake in the General Election

11th February 2016 Socialist Action 0

By Frances Davis and Ian Richardson

The much-anticipated General Election in the southern Irish state, called for 26 February, has brought into sharp focus two clear political alternatives – a continuation of right wing austerity politics or a break with it, in favour of a left wing alternative. The fact that the election is taking place in the centenary year of the 1916 Rising also gives an added significance – and one which is not just based on an historic poignancy. Most of the fundamental tasks of 1916 are yet to be accomplished.

Podemos big winner in Spanish elections

21st December 2015 Socialist Action 0

The outcome of the Spanish general election is unclear as no major party has an overall majority or even an obvious political partner(s) with which it could form one. The poll overall represents a shift to the left, but a shift insufficient to place the anti-austerity forces in government.