We encourage a very open form of discussion (quite different to that found at most other left events) based on honest discussion of real issues rather then members of the WSM simply pushing a 'party line' from the platform and the floor. People who had not yet spoken in a session were called to speak ahead of people who wanted to speak for a second time. Everyone who wanted to say something got their chance.
In the discussion about how to advance anarchism in Ireland, Iain McKay pointed out that "spontaneity, as anarchists have always stressed, is not enough. The role of anarchists and anarchist organisations is important. We need to stress the need for anarchist politics and the need to transform society from top-to-bottom and we need to organise to do this. Ultimately, revolution depends on people wanting a free society and that means that the current minority who does must be in a position to promote liberation ideas in the mass of the population. I hope you will join us in this task. A new world is possible!"
Concluding the day's events, Aileen O'Carroll of the WSM spoke of the need for people to not simply consume anarchist ideas but to become active in building anarchism in Ireland. The interest was certainly there, one of the bookstalls sold over £250 worth of books about anarchism. Most people seemed to come out of the gathering with a very positive impression and there was a real buzz in the pub afterwards.
The Workers Solidarity Movement aims to spread anarchist ideas and anarchist methods of organisation among the working class and among people fighting exploitation. At the moment, as well as producing this paper six times a year, we also produce a magazine 'Red & Black Revolution' twice a year, and an occasional newssheet 'Anarchist News'. Members of the WSM are actively involved in trade union struggles, the fight against racism, the campaign against double tax bin charges, and in helping to build the growing anti-capitalist movement.
With our relatively small numbers, there is a limit to what we can do. That's why we need people like you to get involved. If you've liked what you've read in this paper, maybe you'd be willing to take a few copies to distribute among your friends or workmates. The more people who read the ideas, the more people who get involved in struggle, the sooner we will reach our objective - a world free of poverty and exploitation, a world where freedom is a reality for all.
As well as writting a letter to us at WSM, PO Box 1528, Dublin 8 you can also comment on any of the articles in this issue at