The Movement past and Present.

by Davy Carlin Tue Nov 17, 2009 11:47

For those interested this is my last update of the decade

Link -http://sightbeyondsightandmoremuchmuchmore.blogspot.com/

by Davy Carlin Thu Nov 05, 2009 15:06

Dear friends,

Please continue to circulate the details of rallies organised by ICTU Northern Committee - now in 10 locations around the North.

For a better and fairer deal

Protecting jobs and services

Link - http://www.ictuni.org/

Also {for those interested by blog has been updated

Link – http://sightbeyondsightandmoremuchmuchmore.blogspot.com....html

As Always,

In Solidarity

‘D’

by Davy Carlin - Belfast WSM Tue Nov 03, 2009 13:15

Anarchist Organisation calls for support for November 6th demonstrations but warns that ‘Marching Is Not Enough’

Anarchist Organisation Workers Solidarity Movement (WSM) has called on all workers to attend the national marches called by Irish Congress of Trade Unions on Friday, 6th November.

“WSM members will be marching on Friday with our work colleagues, neighbours and families,” said Gregor Kerr WSM PRO. “We call on all workers to ‘Get Up, Stand Up’ and join these marches to show the government that workers are fed up with being forced to take all the blame and all the pain for the financial crisis.”

“Workers did not cause this crisis,” Kerr continued. “The attempts being made by politicians and commentators to divide and conquer workers by pitting private sector workers against public sector workers must be resisted. All workers need to unite on Friday and show that there has to be another way to deal with the crisis – the wealthy must be made to face up to their responsibilities.”

“1% of the Irish population own 34% of the wealth,” Kerr pointed out. “This small number of super-wealthy people own assets worth €100billion. So while Brian Lenihan might claim there is no pot of gold to be had from the wealthy, there clearly is. What is lacking is the political will to make the rich pay.”

“We all have to take to the streets on Friday to show our strength”, he concluded, “but it’s also clear that marching will not be enough. To truly show that we mean business and to begin the process of building a campaign to force the wealthy to pay for the crisis, we need to begin to organise in our workplaces for a national strike that will shut down every workplace – public sector and private sector alike.”

Statement Ends
Note to Editor:- Workers Solidarity Movement (WSM) is an Irish anarchist organisation with branches in Dublin, Cork and Belfast and members in several other places around the country. WSM members are actively involved in many community and trade union campaigns, and have been involved at local and workplace level in building support for the 6th November demos.
For more information about the WSM visit our website www.wsm.ie

For confirmation and/or further comment, contact Gregor Kerr, WSM PRO on 0861501151

by Davy Carlin Fri Oct 30, 2009 16:01

A call to rally

Link to rallies in the South

Link - http://www.wsm.ie/front_page

- And -

Join the rallies in the North

1 PM Friday 6th November

Armagh {Hospital}
Ballyamena {Diamond}
Belfast {City Hall}
Derry {custom House Street}
Magherafelt {Diamond}
Newry {City Hall}

See you at the Belfast one

Davy Carlin

Branch Secretary

Belfast Workers Solidarity Movement

- - -

As stated above in other inputs I will put up various extensive radio and TV interviews and recordings of Movements I was involved in,– to go along with my personal writings, {writing of such movements at the time}.

Also in times ahead with the aid of my diaries, writings at the time and collections of correspondence, papers, posters, pictures, memories and much more, I will also do up an extensive recording of the ‘Rise and Fall of the once Belfast SWP.

Like other such Movements it will go with that, that I have already written, for lessons learnt {or not} -and a record of such history.

This from the position of Branch Secretary of all 4 SWP branches for a spell, as Northern Secretary, as a member of the Irish Political committee, and a ‘Delegate to the International Tendency.

It will cover from 1996 and sitting in a room with a couple of people counted on one hand, through to the building up of the Belfast SWP {97, 98, 99}, then initiating campaigns and marches onto Belfast streets and mobilising for afar{2000, 2001, 2002}, then moving then to the height of initiating and at the fore-front of large scale and mass Movements onto Belfast streets and mobilisations again afar {2002, 2003, 2004} and then, unfortunately to its regrettable fall.

And, if, as is indicted in another thread here, that the SWP, has now little or no presence in Belfast then that is sad, but nevertheless at it’s height it was a real force for change – and the lessons of both its Rise and Fall need to be recorded for that reason.

Therefore such will also be recorded in voice – in times ahead and I will do that from my own understanding.

Below is a recent written input - in regard to the once Belfast SWP of old.

http://sightbeyondsightandmoremuchmuchmore.blogspot.com....html

by Davy carlin Wed Sep 09, 2009 12:53

For those interested brief blog update

By and large i will in future try to put a new piece up once a month

So in future for those interested just check back for an update

Link- http://sightbeyondsightandmoremuchmuchmore.blogspot.com/

D

by Davy Carlin Tue Aug 25, 2009 12:48

For those interested

Link again updated - this time with an article on personal experience with Revolutionary left parties in Belfast

link- http://sightbeyondsightandmoremuchmuchmore.blogspot.com/

by Davy Carlin Thu Aug 13, 2009 17:42

Life and History in words and deeds

Dear friends {for those interested} I am starting to put up on my new blog interviews and such – that I had done throughout the years - local and International.

The first one is speaking on behalf of the Stop the War Coalition in the North {which had developed from the Belfast Anti War Movement}

The interview was done for USA listeners and I had done it with Mairead Corrigan McGuire, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate back in April 2003.

These will tie into the writings {written at the time}I had done on the various Movements I was involved in, and will help give a more complete picture and record for those interested.

It can now be found within the first input of my new blog

Link –

http://sightbeyondsightandmoremuchmuchmore.blogspot.com/

As always,

In Solidarity

Davy Carlin

by D Thu Jul 23, 2009 16:17

Anti Racism - {Links, for those interested}

Links to discussion on racism - fascism at recent Belfast WSM day school

Link - http://www.indymedia.ie/article/93244

And an interview I recently done with such issues raised within

Link - http://www.indymedia.ie/article/93274

A host of recent audios etc from recent WSM events etc can be found.

Link - http://www.wsm.ie/front_page

As always,

In Solidarity

by Davy Carlin - Belfast WSM {PC} Fri Apr 24, 2009 12:16

In the time ahead a new blog will be established it will be - Part V

Previous four are, 1}The Past the Present and the Future {on the Blanket site} –2}My online diary – 3} A working class journey from War to Peace – 4} And the, Continuance of Change.

Part V {and the final part of this blog collection, in this era} will begin with the recent essential trade union mobilisations and Belfast May Day March

Recent trade union mobilisations –

From afar in another part of the world I ‘Watched as the ‘V minutes silence at Belfast city Hall took place against the killings of old.

Link - http://media.abcnews.com/International/wireStory?id=7054334

Then -

Link - http://www.indymedia.ie/article/91990

I see also the rise again in visible racist attacks, maybe, it may need once again, the re - mobilisation against such, if such continues –

That call may well go out – if such continues

As Always,

In Solidarity

D’

Link - http://carlindavid.blogspot.com/
Link - http://www.wsm.ie/

Mayday is a time of reflecting and renewing the proud tradition of working-class resistance and commitment to social revolution. The spirit of class struggle continues to burn in our class from the Visteon workplace occupations to the school occupations in Glasgow and beyond. As we continue to bear the brunt of job cuts, house evictions and police brutality, the powerful message of direct action and solidarity against the bosses and the state is as relevant and necessary as ever before.

“They are the crisis, we are the solution”

The WSM Belfast branch are calling on people to join us for the annual Mayday march on Saturday, 2nd May, organised by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. Assemble at 12pm at York Street/Art College. Look out for the red and black banners.

Branch secretary Michael McGovern said: “Over a century after that first May Day demonstration in Chicago, where are we? We need independent working class politics. No collaboration with government and bosses. Real solidarity with fellow workers in struggle, not a blinkered sectional outlook. The Visteon workers are leading example and it is about time we do the same.”

As part of this year’s activities the Anarchist Communist Discussion Group formed by the WSM, will be hosting a talk on ‘The history of Mayday and its relevance today.” The talk will take place on Tuesday 5th May at 7pm in the Belfast Unemployment Centre, 45/47 Donegall Street in the city centre.

The ACDG aims to initially create monthly informal public discussions, to debate and analyse all areas of labour and revolutionary history.

To encourage debate within the wider anarchist/libertarian movement on present areas of struggle. Action without theory is blind and often futile, but theory without action is ultimately sterile and no use to anyone.

To spread and articulate the vision of revolutionary anarchist communism.

We are open to speakers from other political and social organisations. If you have any ideas or suggestions for future meetings, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Contact details:
belfastwsm@yahoo.com
07928479308

by Davy Carlin Wed Jan 21, 2009 10:53

Support and Solidarity from the Movement

Over 5000 citizens marched and rallied in Belfast {under the banner of the ICTU} against the slaughter in the Middle East .

Looking at the horrific pictures of men women and children slaughtered in their hundreds, and of the very real war crimes that had been rained down upon them one sees how much is not at Ease in parts of the world.

This is something that needs to be at the forefront of our minds in the coming times – and indeed will be.

Further update on my blogspot in month or two ahead

by Davy Carlin Tue Jan 06, 2009 14:34

Please forward and circulate as widely as possible

See you at this important march

As always,

In Solidarity

Davy Carlin

Gaza Protest March
Belfast Saturday 10th January
Assemble : 12.30 p.m. Arts College Square (to march to City Hall)
Banners welcome
[organised jointly by IPSC and Trade Union Friends of Palestine]

More details to follow.

Caitlin ni Chonaill
Secretary
Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign
Belfast.

by Davy Carlin Thu Nov 06, 2008 17:09

The recent RIR parade through Belfast City Centre has raised many points amongst those deemed the 'wider left' and Republican circles. So I will pen a number of brief personal points as well as giving a personal account of the day.

Firstly I will state that the blame for such a raise in sectarian tensions lays squarely with those who proposed the RIR parade in the first place. As the obvious outcome of such a decision would be the raising of tensions in a still divided city coming to terms with War.

And whether or not other organisations had seen themselves as sectarian or not the reality was that sectarianism would manifest and ascend itself on that day, given the proposed parade.

Indeed I had stated from the onset that the parades would be used to sectarianise the issue, by some. And others of course would bite to it, and so the whole issue of the War in Iraq and Afghanistan would be lost, and directed into the Unionists against Nationalist question and all that that had went before. Of course Imperialism Occupation and Militarism needs to be stood against where ever it is.

And within those who have been active with us since our recent formation in Belfast there are those whose history is not only that of standing against such at a local level. But indeed have given support, marched and stood in solidarity with groups from all the various Republican sections on many issues. This going back many years through to the present -against state repression, collusion, prisoner’s rights, shoot to kill and much more.

Yet our stand was not done only on that issue of opposition to such occupation, state collusion, brutality, militarism and Imperialism in Ireland, in Iraq and Afghanistan. But also against the sectarianism that would flow from it. And that stand would be on the basis of class. Indeed given the retching up of tensions the Belfast WSM took a tactical decision to call our own protest in that regard.

Therefore given nothing had been called to date we took the very important initiative to take that stand. In doing so via the media and other networks, we provided that alternative on the basis of Catholic and Protestant opposed to such. Of course given the real tensions and the historic tool of divide and rule we knew it would be a difficult call, but nevertheless we made the call and stood by it, This despite criticisms and even veiled threats by others.

With that we needed to take a number of factors into account given it was to see the biggest security operation in many years. Therefore the political reasoning for our call also had to take account of tactical considerations on the day. Our stand was not about the politics of out do, given that some recent comments from those at the Eirigi march {was that we had embarked on a ‘Suicide mission’ given we had called our demo in the path of a Loyalist Parade} – but it was about the providing of a class alternative.

Yet, to be honest when the call went out we where not aware that the UDA from the Shankill and such where to march past us. So we provided an alternative meeting point just in case, while on the day we sought to see what was possible.

And so on the day a Comrade and I had drove down the Falls Road past the assembling Sinn Fein contingent at Dunville Park and then at Divis Tower the assembling Erigi group. Given that the road at the bottom of the Falls Road was blocked with police jeeps and cops in riot gear we jumped out of the car and made our way to the city centre.

Although this not before being videoed and pictured by cops as would be regular through out the day. With that we made our way up Castle street towards Tesco’s and had seen the hoards of Loyalists coming down the road past us. Therefore we decided for security reasons to find an alternative venue for our protest. So we went back to the place we had given as an alternative meeting place and slowly a few people had arrived, with stories of others not having got through, etc.

Then a phone call came through from others and I had gone to get them. Firstly I dandered through the Loyalist mobilisation {because I thought that was the only way of getting to the others who where getting understandably really nervous} but my path was blocked at the very end by barriers that had been erected. So I went back and went through the side streets of the Lower Falls which held many more cops and jeeps as well as water cannon trucks. And so I went past them and past where the RIR where assembling, past some loyalists, then past the place where the SF parade was to come. Then I went through more police lines and after much searching had found one other person from another organisation who had come in to join us.

On our way back he stated how this place looked like Genoa, {such was the security} and we had a chat about how the both of us at the Anti Globalisation protests in Genoa had charged the fence with a huge gate we ‘may’ have pulled out of the ground. Seeking then with it to take down the fence, before we where water cannoned, gassed, and baton charged for our endeavours.

Arriving back we seen that the Eirgi parade had been stopped by the rows of Riot Cops and jeeps, as another phone call came through, {and the tensions felt} that another half a dozen comrades where stuck right in the middle of a Loyalist mobilisation including that of the UDA. So I and another comrade went back for them through the path that I had found and also this time watched as the Sinn Fein march had just gone by quiet and dignified with many holding pictures of loved ones killed and murdered by the state. This though with the sounds of hundreds of loyalists jeering and shouting sectarian vile from above buildings and upon paths and roads.

And so getting back to the pre arranged stop {that some thought understandably with their lives and bodies still intact} we carried out our small but brief demo, and joined by a couple of members of the SWP we made our point.

And so little real trouble kicked of that day, {although the potential for such was very real with also 30000 plus supporters of the troops on the streets} - yet it was essential that such an alternative was provided. And while the political reasoning for such a stand was correct, better co- ordination and preparation needed, was a lesson we had drawn from such in discussion afterwards

by Davy Carlin - Belfast WSM {PC} Mon Oct 27, 2008 11:37

Dear friends,

The forthcoming Parade and opposition to such, in Belfast city centre for the RIR etc has and is being sectarianised via various quarters - and in doing so the real message of opposition to War, Imperialism is being lost.

Indeed at a time when our City needs Unity we again see the politics of Division being played out as the ring of steel once again prepares to come around our city and citizens.

So we have once again the ping – pong politics of Nationalist/Republican versus Unionist not only as usual being played out by politicians , but wearily once again, it will make its way to our city streets.

Yet, as always, as in recent years an alternative voice shall be given. It is in these times when others fudge or fear to rock the boat, when the decisions get tough, that that Alternative voice and firm and principled stand is needed most.

Therefore the Belfast branch of the WSM shall be holding a protest on the day for those who do not want to march behind a Republican flag {or whatever differing republican march} or to stand behind a unionist flag on the day, but instead, to stand with a united flag of working class unity, against not only War and Imperialism but also Militarism, and given recent words - against the Sectarianism that will reek on the day flagged up by many.

On that day and within our ranks will stand those who have been founding members, organisers and spokespersons of the Anti war Movement here and who have consistently organised and mobilised against the recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq – right up to recent time as many of us made our Way to Stormont to protest against the arrival of George Bush.

Within our ranks there are those who have consistently protested and mobilised against state collusion and murder and such militarism on our streets here.

Within our ranks there are those who have for years organised and mobilised workplaces and citizens against Sectarianism and such threats and murders against Catholic and Protestant, may it have come from Republicans or Loyalist.

I have learnt friends, that when the going gets tough and when sectarianism {from whatever quarters and in whatever form} once again raises its visible head then it is at such times that such a United stand is needed evermore so

And so, On Sunday at 11am at Tesco’s at Royal Avenue join us- spread the word, bring posters placards and friends.

It will not be said that the Anti War Movement, has ever shirked its responsibility when the going gets tough.

It will not be said when Sectarianism once against raises it ugly head {in whatever form} that a protest of such unity was not again be visible.

As Always,

In Solidarity

Davy Carlin

Belfast WSM {PC}

by Davy Carlin Thu Sep 25, 2008 16:17

The Continual Creating of Initiatives, Soildarity - Campaigns - Movements and – Victories

Update of this link-

The Previous several years – Links Below

From the Street Seen and MPH Movement and the mobilisations of thousands home and to go abroad, through to Houseless and homeless citizens, marching protesting and occupying for their rights

From Black Mountain - Bog Meadows and the Friends of the Falls Park committee, and the winning and moving of lands back into citizen’s hands, and the renewal, and refurbishment of such – through to community renewal and regeneration –

- and of course the Gay rights Movement and largest such Mobilisation ever seen

And of more Major Victories against Deportation, for re-instatements of Trade Unionists, through to that of shell to Sea

This and much more can be – and will be read {as more goes up} on these two links – over the last few years – and also elsewhere around Indymedia - in time.

Again these are written at the time of such initiatives and victories.

Link - http://davycarlin.allotherplaces.org/
Link - http://davycarlin.blogspot.com/

by Davy Carlin Sat Sep 20, 2008 09:17

PRESS RELEASE FROM SHELL TO SEA -

MAURA HARRINGTON ENDS HUNGER STRIKE AS SOLITAIRE LEAVES IRISH WATERS

Today's departure of the Solitaire from Irish territorial waters is a major victory for both Maura Harrington and the Shell to Sea campaign. We hope that it does not attempt to return to Irish waters, or it will be met with even more determined opposition on land and at sea.

Shell to Sea salutes the courage and tenacity of Maura Harrington throughout her hunger strike, and we wish her a speedy recovery for her ordeal in the company of her family. Her action has resonated around Ireland and the world, and has shone a light of publicity upon the situation in Erris, publicity which Shell and the Government of Ireland have tried with all their power to deny us.

We hope that the breathing space that the departure of the Solitaire brings will lead to dialogue to create an acceptable solution for the community here. It is time that Minister Eamon Ryan engaged honestly with the local community.

We also hope that people around Ireland acquaint themselves with what is being done to their fellow-citizens in Co. Mayo in their name with their taxpayers' money.

We re-iterate our opposition to the foisting of this unwanted project on the people of Erris and the give-away of Ireland's natural resources to multinational corporations.

RELEASE ENDS.

by Davy Carlin - Belfast WSM {PC} and Shell to Sea {PC} Fri Sep 19, 2008 10:36

Link RTE - http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/0918/shell.html

In this battle I again have learnt lessons, more especially when the life of a friend, comrade and activists is on the line.

Over recent days I have saw raw emotion, defeatism and pessimism – even from key activists, in regard to this battle. Yet such is to be expected at such times when it is a matter of life and death.

The state of course knows of such emotions and it is also another weapon in their armoury- more especially when it becomes visible and vocal. Yet it is right to discuss such {fraternally}, more especially if one is at the coal face of such struggle and watching those close begin to wither away

Indeed the whole argument of a hunger strike was brought to the fore with {I found}many disagreeing with such - and therefore little support or none forthcoming, while some who did disagree, they did provide the solidarity

Yet it is a political issue, as well as that of tactics, and indeed at times it should not be seen only in the context of small forces against that of the mightier forces, but also in tandem with the condition and times that such a battle is set in, and more especially the wider interests of the mightier forces at that ‘Specific time – {with also possible escalation and wider collective solidarity}

I remember back to the time when I had marched and protested with those republicans not on ceasefire, in the interest of their prisoners. I do not agree with their tactics nor the way they attempt to go about to achieve their means. Yet my politics did not ascend above the tactical question, but was part of it.

And so while lending support to the rights of their prisoners and indeed I was the only one from such ‘Revolutionary organisations { and I have come to understand - one being in real terms a left of labour organisation and the other more workerist and union orientated} – I was nevertheless vocal against their tactics.

Similarly I do not agree with the tactic of the hunger strike but again, for me, it goes in tandem with the politics – and on which side I choose to stand with – on that particular issue - at that particular time. On such occasions it can be hard and on many occasions you will bear the brunt of the attacks – yet self interest {or perceived preservation} or disagreement on tactics, should not ascend to the extent of lending no support – however hard or whatever the backlash at the time.

Indeed to do such in such ‘small {but nevertheless essential} instances, gives little confidence in such abilities of solidarity and understanding in a revolutionary situation – and all that that will come against us.

Signing off on this battle.

As always

In Solidarity

D

by Davy Carlin - Belfast, WSM {PC} Thu Sep 18, 2008 09:34

Over the period of the picket and protest over 50 people participated in today's local demonstration at the Andersontown Shell station, in support of Maura Harrington and her demand that the Solitaire leave Irish waters. See http://www.indymedia.ie/article/89151

An excellent show of solidarity in which seen also those involved in recent Movements such as the BAWM and the ARN through to those involved in various other solidarity campaigns - in attendance.

It shows the strength of feeling on this issue - as well as those involved in other issues who are prepared to come together in a practical, visible and collective stand to provide solidarity at a time of need

Although we hope that this issue is resolved soon, if it is not we'll need to continue doing our bit to raise awareness {and provide solidarity} to what's happening right now in that small Mayo community. So well done to everyone today, and let's keep it up. Shell (and Solitaire) to sea!

As always in Solidarity

Davy Carlin

JOIN THE SOLIDARITY CAMP

ANDERSONSTOWN BARRACKS SITE, BELFAST

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 18 - SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 21

READ ATTACHED DOCUMENT FOR MORE DETAILS

Maura Harrington on Hunger Strike

Maura Harrington is a 55-year-old mother, grandmother, school principal, native Irish speaker and community activist. She has opposed Shell's operation in Mayo to steal Irish natural resources from the start, at great personal cost. She has vowed that the pipe line Shell want to lay will not destroy the beauty of the Gaeltacht in which she was born and raised, and that Shell will not steal our natural resources without a fight!

Maura has been on hunger strike since September 9. Her demand is simple: The ship that Shell has commissioned to lay their underwater piping in the area, 'The Solitaire', must leave Irish territorial waters. She has said that her hunger strike will not end until that demand has been met. Pressure must now be put on Shell Oil and the Dublin government to force them to reassess their destructive policies in north-west Mayo. The people of Erris can't build that pressure alone. Everyone has their part to play.

--
There are no right answers, only good questions

by Davy Carlin Tue Sep 16, 2008 10:03

This situation needs to be dealt with - NOW

Solidarity with Maura and the ongoing struggle needs to intensify

'D'

Demonstrate Against Shell Oil in Belfast

As some are all aware, {more details below} events in Mayo have taken a turn for the worse in the last week. Several people have been arrested in their efforts to prevent Shell laying their pipeline and local school principal Maura Harrington has taken the decision to go on hunger-strike.

In solidarity with Maura and the ongoing struggle of the people of Rossport, Shell to Sea Belfast has called a demonstration for

Andersonstown Shell Garage,

Wednesday (September 17)

@ 6pm.

See you there

Davy Carlin

Only public pressure will ensure Shell steps back and Rossport wins.

As local school teacher Maura Harrington's hunger strike approaches one week since she started, the Solitaire pipelaying ship remains stationary in Killybegs. Meanwhile solidarity protests are taking place in Erris, Dublin, Cork, London and are spreading elsewhere.

Keep an eye on www.indymedia.ie and www.shelltosea.com for updates.

Shell to Sea is urging everyone reading this to do all in their power to contact the Solitaire owners and staff via the below contacts. We have included a sample letter/email from the Donegal MAOR group.

Time is of the essence. Please contact the Solitaire now and ask that they leave Irish waters. Do all you can to highlight the issue in the media, via politicians and contacts and to spread the word. Particularly pressure the Green Party - contacts below - who appear painfully silent on the issues. Something they previously were passionate about.

Your support, solidarity and action is needed now more than ever.

We can win.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTACTS

The Solitaire
tel.: 0047 5140 7930 ext. 100
email: solmaster@solitaire.allseas.com

Allseas Group SA Public Relations Dept.
public.relations@allseas.com

Allseas Group SA Legal Dept.
legal@allseas.com

Green Party contacts

http://www.greenparty.ie/en/people

_______________________________________________________________

by Davy Carlin Mon Jun 12, 2006 17:10

All those earliest articles and the first articles I have ever written can now be accessed on the Blanket - 20002 - 2001 Archive

The above - Part one of my West Belfast Series ‘A Personal Voyage of Taboo {is on the influence of religion in my life} -

-this from my Gran being known as the 'Rosary woman - because men and women came in large numbers to her {our} house in the Murph at the start of the recent conflict to pray for their sons and daughters who had went out to defend the Murph -through to being an altar boy at Clonard Monastery, West Belfast during late seventies early eighties

This can be also be read with the link - http://www.phoblacht.net/faithandpol.html

- this link is a reply to my article by Billy Mitchell - ex UVF Prisoner, PUP and now Christian.

Another article that toured the globe at the time was my one about my arrival at the ‘Interface, this at the same time as the then First Minister of ‘Northern Ireland, David Trimble – who was on the ‘other side of the ‘wall.

Link - http://www.phoblacht.net/theinterface.html

All articles though are now accessible - D

by Davy Carlin Fri Jun 09, 2006 18:16

as was once printed -

'Davy Carlin, Eight years a Socialist activist – the Belfast SWP – now an Independent Socialist '

- but now, and of course, a member of Oganise!

by Davy Carlin Fri Jun 09, 2006 17:54

2001 – 2004 {Writings, outside of Indymedia} and some 'actions links

Below are links to many of my first and earliest writings on the Blanket. Presently those links 2001 - 2002, for all writers and articles are inactive, this due to technical reasons. The Blanket though has been working over the last while to put up all such articles and will get to these earliest of years in the short time ahead.

That will include the link {above} to the first part of the West Belfast Series ' A Personal Voyage of Taboo. As stated, I will update this thread with links from completed writings of campaigns, Movements etc - from now on in.

As is the case above –

- for

‘2005 -2006 Momentous years in the Continuum -

And so, and finally {re - 2001 -2002} I provide here – for this thread- those links {for those that are interested in those earliest writings} which are soon to be able to be again accessed'

But first I leave for this thread {the record of 2001 – 2004} - a quote from part of an end paragraph of my last such article on leaving the, once termed, and once respected - Belfast SWP -

-as so -

- to give a final jist of the once 'Belfast SWP, and our essential and 'Momentous years of being at the forefront of 'Catholic, Protestant and Dissenter, worker and citizens unity

‘Having walked into a cold drafty room in central Belfast as a fresh face to politics, I, as stated, had thought how we few (counted on one hand) people almost unknown outside of our own ranks could begin to effect change, as they had talked about at that first meeting. It then took four or so years since I first walked into that room of hard graft and work on the ground, but eventually we were to play leading and essential roles in helping to initiate and create mass united campaigns, rallies and movements onto the streets of Belfast.

From the largest Anti Sectarianism rally ever seen during the conflict to the largest Anti War march and rally ever seen in the North, through to one of the largest mass unofficial workers walkouts, to then seeing the largest such Anti Racism march and rally also seen in the North, This putting aside the hundreds of militant youth we had mobilised as part of the Anti Capitalist movement for direct action onto the streets of Belfast, or the array of trade union banners fluttering in the wind from North and Southern Ireland for our stand against the 11-plus as we again marched through the streets of Belfast.

On each we were to the fore in mobilising thousands and at times tens of thousands of Catholic and Protestant workers to stand together in unity.

Although even a few years ago there was only one other active member who still remains in the Belfast SWP who had sat in that room with me at that time, the Belfast SWP since then had won some of the best activists into its ranks over that time which I to this day hold great respect for’.

- { that was 2001 - 2004 -Such though as seen in 2005 - 2006 is in Continuum }-

And so Linked and recorded below writings 2001 – 2004}

Davy Carlin, Eight years a Socialist activist – the Belfast SWP – now an Independent Socialist

Recorded on the Blanket (Letters page), May 2002,
(1) ‘Conspiracy Theory’ May 2002

Recorded on the Blanket (the Blanket magazine winter 2002)
(1) ‘The Turkish Hunger strike ‘– (The Irish Hungers Strikes)

Recorded on the Blanket (Letters page), March 2003,
(1) ‘Free Palestine’ March 2003

Recorded on the Blanket (letters page) Feb 2002,
(2) ‘Double standards’ Feb 2002

Recorded on the Blanket (Letters page) Feb 2002,
(1) A US brand of civil Rights, Feb 2002

Recorded on the Blanket, my trade union conference NIPSA, July 2002
(1), ‘Opportunity knocks, or not?’

Recorded on the Blanket, the Interface Sept 2002
(1)’The Interface’ Sept 2002

Recorded on the Blanket, Sept 2002
(1) ‘The meeting’ Sept 2002

Recorded on the Blanket Oct 2002,
(1) ‘The right to live’ Oct 2002

Recorded on the Blanket Oct 2002,

(1) ‘From Belfast to Genoa – now Florence’ Oct 2002. The governments called it the worst riot that Europe had seen in over thirty years, and released a statement saying that the protests had ‘descended into anarchy’. In fact it was an inspirational coming together of our anti capitalist movement.

Recorded on the Blanket Nov 2002

(1) ‘The price of peace is in the pocket’ Nov 2002

Recorded on the Blanket Dec 2002,

(1) ‘My address to the Progressive Unionist Party conference’, Dec 2002

Recorded on the Blanket is the West Belfast series which was began in July 2002 finished Oct 2003. It accounts for my life growing up in West Belfast as a child and also my first contact and experiences with the SWP as well as with other left and socialist organisations. (1 to 5) ‘West Belfast, Childhood and the Wars’, Oct 2003

Recorded on the Blanket - Following the initiation of the termed ‘historic’ Falls and Shankill Road March in Belfast -

(1) West Belfast Fire Fighter Support Group - Dec 1st 2002
(2) The Falls and Shankill March as One - Dec 8th 2002
(3) When the Falls and Shankill Marched as One Jan 2003

Recorded on the Blanket - Following the initiating of the Belfast Anti-War Movement, Derry Anti-War Coalition and the Stop the War Coalition through to its mass mobilisations, street protests, occupations, walkouts and direct actions in Belfast and beyond

(1) Sept 2002, ‘ Not in our Name’
(2) Belfast Socialists, Capitalism and War - Dec 2002
(3) Belfast, Building a Mass Anti War Movement Part 1 - March 2003
(4) Building an Anti War Movement Part 2, Moving to Action - June 2003

Recorded on the Blanket - The end of the year 2003, The Belfast SWP, Following and giving a brief overview of the various campaigns we were involved in that year including standing in elections, - Dec 2003.

Recorded on the Blanket - following the initiation of the Belfast Anti Racism Network through to it mass mobilisations and actions.

(1) ‘The Hall and State of Illusions’, August 2003 – Was where it was proposed that I set up a second meeting – if I could – to do something about the racist attacks. This was in fact the real beginning of the ARN, now A Movement
(2) Anti Racist Network, ‘Statement for Endorsement’ - Oct 2003,
(3) Anti Racism Network ARN, In the Beginning Part 1 - May 2004)
(4) The ARN - ‘A Movement part two’ – as above.

Recorded on the Blanket, the Belfast SWP firm role in and the respect from the Labour Movement in the North

(1) ‘A firm part of the labour movement, the Belfast SWP’, (Part 1)’, July 2004
(2) ‘A firm part of the labour movement, the Belfast SWP, (Part 2)’, as above.

Recorded on the Blanket, the mass unofficial mobilisations of workers and our initiation of the rank and file network which we initiated, that lead such walkouts,

(1) ‘NIPSA, the most important workers strike in Northern Ireland in twenty years’, Sept 2004

by Davy Carlin Fri Jun 09, 2006 13:13

The previous series' on West Belfast can be found on link attached.

by Davy Carlin Wed Jun 07, 2006 18:20

they are working - D

by Davy Carlin Wed Jun 07, 2006 18:19

I attach, again, Street Seen and MPH links as they do not seem to open above.

Street Seen

http://streetseennews.blogspot.com/2005/02/peace-at-who....html

MPH NI -

http://www.makepovertyhistory-ni.org/event_motiv8_round....html

These will work as I checked them

ATB - D

by Historian Wed Jun 07, 2006 17:49

Campaigning and striking for a living wage

by JC Wed Jun 07, 2006 17:36

Davey.
Much of what you have down is self explanitory, anti war anti poverty etc. However what is the reference to NIPSA branch 8, is that a campaign of some sort?

by Davy Carlin Wed Jun 07, 2006 16:12

Thought about it -

-then decided I am not going to bite as from reading ur comments either u are new to the political scene and Indymedia -or indeed u want me to bite to ur remarks, for ur own reasonings.

If the latter i will not bite in that regard, but if the former I simply say, ur points will be answered {both to yourself - I believe } and to anyone who has read through or followed such links I have provided.

Indeed some points u raise - {if ur a Shinner} - many many of ur comrades would disagree with.

Either way I am not going to bite -D

by Real Republican Wed Jun 07, 2006 15:41

This is the right thread.

Why do you have a link to the anti-Republican website "The Blanket"?

by What? Wed Jun 07, 2006 15:38

Ok, thanks for the clarification.

It thought that the title and the way the content was written made it look like you where speaking about the Irish Republican Movement. But the links and what you referred to have nothing do with that movement.

Half them links you gave and what you wrote have nothing in common with the Irish Republican Movement. Was the title deliberately misleading? I think it was. The reason I say this is because when people in Ireland say “The Movement” they refer to the Irish Republican Movement.

I think the title would serve its purpose better by being changed to “Justice movements past and present”

by Davy Carlin Wed Jun 07, 2006 15:31

I think above post is on the wrong thread - I presume?

by Real Republican Wed Jun 07, 2006 15:28

All that you and anti-Republicans like Eamonn McCann are doing is what the British want.

The British want the Irish people to stop concentrating on getting them out of Ireland, and divert are attention to home.

The problem is with the British in Ireland. The British are the source of the issues that you and others are campaigning against.

The British are creating a situation in Ireland were the Irish people will enter into conflict with one another over issues which the British created.

The only way we overthrow the British from Ireland is to unite under Sinn Féin - the movement that is campaigning for a United Ireland.

by Davy Carlin Wed Jun 07, 2006 15:21

The ‘Movement, in the ‘wider activist world, is defined by many as the Collection of all the various specific 'Movements and campaigns - against neo liberalism, racism, war etc.

The links I give are specific to the North

Hope that clarifies D

by What? Wed Jun 07, 2006 15:11

What movement are you talking about?

Your title is "The Movement past and Present"

What "Movement"?

by Davy Carlin Wed Jun 07, 2006 15:02

This link shall also be updated similar as I have done before in regard to other 'specific Movements, mobilisations and campaigns that I with others have been involved in over the years. D