Fresh perspectives at UCD Labour Week

Labour in UCD is on the up again, running a successful Labour week for the first time in many years. Well done to Dermot Looney, Paul, Chris and all the comrades whose names I can't remember. As part of the week, last night featured an open discussion entitled "Future Perspectives of a Left-Led Ireland" which featured an very interesting exchange of views. From the coal-front of council politics Aidan Culhane (Labour's leader on Dun Laoghaire Rathdown county council) outlined a practical project of social democracy. His speech is available online. John Baker of the UCD Equality Studies centre, argued the case for a strongly egalitarian coalition, as outlined in the book 'Equality - From theory to action' pubished by the centre. Professor John Horgan of DCU, once a Labour TD in Dublin south, gave an interesting, witty and affable historical perspective on the situation. The contributions from the floor reflected deep reflection on the future of the left in Ireland, and pleasingly, evidence of deeply held left values. There were also excellent contributions from an ICTU representative, one from the Dean campaign, and a stirring attack on neo-liberalism by Cian O Callaghan, the party's officer charged with developing youth.
The week is rounded off tomorrow with a Labour Youth special delegate conference on the EU constitution. If I can get myself up before midday I might just make that. If they let in the over 35s that is!...

Added later: On Saturday February 19th a special delegate conference of Labour Youth called for a No Vote on the EU constitution. Concerns about privatisation, neo-liberalism, fortress Europe and militarisation were expressed by delegates calling for a No Vote. Pronsias De Rossa M.E.P. and Michael Mc Loughlin (secretary of the Labour International Affairs Committee) failed to convice the delegates, a majority of whom accepted the arguments of Brendan Young (Democracy and Public Services in Europe) and Roger Cole (Peace and Neutrality Alliance).

posted by Daniel @ Friday, February 18, 2005