Join Éirígí’s Local Election Campaign
This May will see Éirígí candidates stand for election to local authorities in Wexford, Wicklow, Dublin and Belfast. Although Éirígí previously fielded candidates in the 2011 local elections in Belfast, this will be the first time that the party will contest elections on both sides of the border simultaneously.
A total of eight candidates will represent the party from the rural hinterland of New Ross on the Wexford/Waterford border, to the flats complexes of Dublin’s inner city, to the sprawling housing estates of West Belfast. Citizens of the towns, cities and counties that gave birth to the 1798, 1916 and 1969 insurrections are again on their streets, calling for the overthrow of the ancien régime and the establishment of a new all-Ireland socialist republic.
Between them the eight Éirígí candidates have many decades of experience of political struggle in all of its forms. Trade unionists, community activists, Irish language advocates, former political prisoners all coming together to stand on a single, coherent ideological platform. The candidates are:
Sean Doyle – Wicklow, Co Wicklow
Máire Drumm – Colin, Belfast City
Councillor John Dwyer – New Ross, Co Wexford
Damien Farrell – Crumlin/Kimmage, Dublin City
Dominick Gaughan – Gorey, Co Wexford
Ciaran Heaphey – Beaumont/Donaghmede, Dublin City
Pádraic Mac Coitir – Black Mountain, Belfast City
Councillor Louise Minihan – Ballyfermot/Drimnagh, Dublin City
For the first time in many years an unashamedly revolutionary socialist republican party is in a position to put forward a panel of credible candidates on both sides of the border. This represents another significant advance in the rebuilding of republican resistance on an all-Ireland basis.
For the 2014 elections Éirígí is standing on an anti-austerity platform of opposition to further cuts to public services and the imposition of additional unjust taxes. Beyond the elections Éirígí is working within communities to spread the socialist republican message of resistance and re-conquest; encouraging individuals, families and communities to use their powerful, but latent, strength to force maximum change. This work may not grab too many headlines but it is absolutely necessary for it to be done. There will no change at a national level without the radicalisation and mobilisation of communities at a local level.
A successful election for Éirígí, in the form of significant support and/or elected candidates, will represent a victory not just for Éirígí, but also for the wider republican resistance and the Irish working class. At a time of great despair and apathy, republicanism and the wider working class need to win some small victories. On the 23rd of May it is possible that such a victory will be won.
Since January Éirígí activists and supporters have distributed many tens of thousands of pieces of literature and engaged with thousands of citizens on the doorstep and at public stalls and meetings. As the 23rd of May approaches, the tempo of activism increases with every passing day.
Éirígí is encouraging people to lend their support to our candidates, to play an active part in building a viable alternative to the politics of bank bailouts, NAMA, occupation and austerity. Our appeal extends to women and men alike, to young and old, to republican veterans and those who have never been active in struggle. Together we can send a significant warning shot across the bows of the ruling class that has hijacked our great country. The people of this country can, and will be awoken from their long slumber, and when that happens no power on earth will halt their march.
Every type of assistance is welcome, be that leafleting, canvassing, putting up posters/banners, fundraising or helping with publicity. If you are interested in helping with our election campaign or our wider campaigns get in touch today by emailing eirigigeneralsecretary@gmail.com or by Facebook here. Bígí linn.