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| 2) Initial Letter of Invitation to People Before Profit Alliance Inaugural Hello, We wish to invite you to attend the inaugural meeting of the People before Profit Alliance on Friday 21st October at 8pm in Cassidy's Hotel, Upper O Connell St. in Dublin. The Alliance has emerged from the experience of many diverse groups who have been working in a variety of grassroots protest movements over the past few years. Through these experiences, the different participants have learnt the value of unity and of developing collective strategies while still respecting the diversity of opinion in their own ranks. We hope that you are interested in getting involved or supporting this new alliance. The basic principle of the Alliance is total opposition to the neo-liberal policies which have brought about: - the sell off of Ireland's natural resources; - privatisation and the run down of public amenities; - the destruction of the environment and our heritage through a flawed planning process; - the prioritisation of corporate profit above the environment, public health and labour conditions and standards - widespread corruption - the erosion of civil rights - tax cuts for the rich and corporations while bin charges and stealth taxes rise for the majority; - the erosion of neutrality through the growing presence of US troops in Shannon; We support the American people against George Bush and therefore are against the use of Irish Airports and airspace by US military - the mistreatment of immigrants (in particular workers) We believe that the Fine Gael-Labour Coalition does not offer any real alternative to these policies. The Labour Party contains some brave radical voices but it is already evident that the price of coalition with Fine Gael has been the dropping of any radical policies. In a host of struggles such as the bin tax campaign and the most recent jailing of the Rossport Five, the official Labour Party response has been extremely weak. Indeed, the main opposition parties broadly accept the market ideology. Furthermore they engage in traditional forms of politics that keeps decision making, involvement and empowerment limited to an elite few. Unfortunately the large trade unions have become toothless after years of social partnership. Workers need a voice. Hence the need for a new political alliance to actively bring together the campaigns and movements that oppose the neo-liberal market ideology and to mobilise, empower and give expression to the huge wave of discontent that is sweeping the country. The Alliance represents a different form of politics, fitting for the 21st century. - It springs from grassroots social movements and sees people power and mobilisation from below in workplaces, communities and on the streets as the key to bringing change in society. - It is not interested in electing people who will enter coalition government or electoral arrangement with the two main establishment parties. - It is inspired by our own struggles, the new unity amongst the left internationally and the wider global justice and anti-war movements. It is the ambition of the Alliance to operate on a 32 county basis and to offer a radical 21st vision for our country. It has become clear that the Belfast Agreement has not led to the weakening of sectarian passions and, if anything, has contributed to their increase. The Alliance therefore wishes to engage with activists from across Northern Ireland, to develop a different set of politics. Our vision is of a movement that will have local people before profit alliances which would organise campaigns and support local community and workers rights and struggle. The meeting on October 21st is a private meeting with the aim of formulating policies structure and strategies for the alliance. It is open to those who wish to engage with other activists from different backgrounds in a non-dogmatic and non-sectarian way. If necessary the meeting will carry over to the following day. |
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