Comments for The Beautiful Room

Comment on Building a progressive majority by New lefty dream A “Progressive” majority : John McGuirk

New lefty dream A “Progressive” majority : John McGuirk — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 01:48:54 +0000

[...] Progressivism. [...]

Comment on The impact of Killian Forde’s resignation by Glumdalklich

Glumdalklich — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 11:05:25 +0000

“Many joined Sinn Fein, seeing it as a growing party with room for advancement” – yes, just like Mary Lou McDonald did back in 2000 (I witnessed it first hand how this opportunist lady worked her way up, using all means- she jumped the FF ship when she realized that the shortlist for any elected position there is too long). The only difference between her and other careerists now is that she has nowhere else to go. No party would take her.

Comment on Sinn Féin problems in Dublin by fírinne

fírinne — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 23:23:08 +0000

theese ideas were being discussed by DSF a few months back. the author killian or otherwise either didn’t turn up at meetings or wasn’t paying attention. if the author thinks the officer board of DSF should agree or rebutt every suggestion in that document in private conclave with the author, absent of the rest of dublin SF would that not encourage rather than discourage the sort of secretive culture there worried about. that the author couldn’t even be bothered to go to follow up meatings is there own look out and since they decided to publish it Dublin Sf’s now. looks like Sf needs more disipline not less, get muppets turning up at meetings for a start.

Comment on Sinn Féin problems in Dublin by Killian Forde and the Moguls of Irish politics | Daniel Sullivan - he’s a little political

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:03:11 +0000

[...] of Cllr Killian Forde from Sinn Fein to the Labour party appears to be causing considerably more discussion that the earlier leavings of Christy Burke or Louise [...]

Comment on The impact of Killian Forde’s resignation by Neil Ward

Neil Ward — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 23:51:26 +0000

Hi Polly, and thanks for the comments. I think it’s somewhat unfair to start attacking the Labour Party on a post that’s about Sinn Féin.

If you disagree with my analysis, I’d be happy to hear your disagreements, but commenting only on Killian and on Labour while ignoring the analysis I put forward, adds nothing to this debate.

Comment on The impact of Killian Forde’s resignation by Polly

Polly — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 22:43:27 +0000

Sorry, last paragraph refers to ‘Robinson affair’ and McCann in conversation with Sam Smyth, Sunday Jan 10.

Comment on The impact of Killian Forde’s resignation by Polly

Polly — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 22:21:21 +0000

Interesting article: the most salient point for me was,
‘There should be no doubt – resigning from a political party (whether as a member, activist or public representative) must be a traumatic experience. The idea that people who do so are careerist, or traitorous is cheap, and usually they are ideas spouted by wounded activists who feel betrayed.’
Yes, traumatic but mostly careerist. Many joined Sinn Fein, seeing it as a growing party with room for advancement. They now recognise that SF has had its moment in the sun, beyond republicanism there is no place for SF. I think Labour has serious credibility issue, in that many candidates have no ideological commitment to any type of socialist vision for Ireland. I’m not even sure the Labour Party has a vision, except maybe to distribute a little more where possible, without cost. The ‘wounded activists who feel betrayed’ and use ‘cheap argument’ are good lines but simply remind me of Bertie Ahern’s line that anyone who criticises is a ‘loolah’ or should ‘commit suicide’.
Convenient that Killian Forde’s website was ‘robbed’ by Ukrainian tech nerd. Could ye not buy it back for him?
His coming back from The Balkans (having spent how many days there?) in 2001 and joining SF to give out leaflets, please!
Interesting that Killian had signed document that he would give up his seat if he left SF. His list system argument holds no water, nor does the personal vote argument.
Interesting that Eamon McCann thinks this might eventially lead to the beginning of ‘class politics’ in the North. Isn’t there a major problem with class politics in that one class wants ultimately to belong to the other class?
Good luck

Comment on Sinn Féin problems in Dublin by Neil Ward

Neil Ward — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 21:09:49 +0000

Hi Ian. Good timing – I’ve just updated the top of the post! I confirmed that the document wasn’t given to me by Killian – I didn’t confirm earlier who the author was, as I had been asked to keep the author and my source confidential.

Comment on Sinn Féin problems in Dublin by Ian

Ian — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 21:05:54 +0000

and yet

http://sinnfeinkeepleft.blogspot.com/2010/01/killian-fordes-analysis-of-problems.html

Comment on Sinn Féin problems in Dublin by BroGrim

BroGrim — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 19:35:30 +0000

Sinn Fein is back to “Priority Constituencies”, this was the plan back in the late 90’s and provided the electoral break through in the Leinster House elections of 2002. Then again the sociialists were still there and ran the campaigns. There was also considerable assistance in experienced election workers from the 6 counties.

five constituencies would be a challenge at this stage,
Given up on Dublin Central would be the most defeatist step that could be taken.
Point 3 regarding cumanns going into hibernation, would we notice the difference.