NEWTON'S OPTIC:The economic downturn has spawned a variety of protest groups, writes NEWTON EMERSON
WHO IS behind the Left Work Campaign, which demonstrates in Dublin on weekday afternoons? The Irish Times takes a closer look at some of the organisations involved in this radical protest movement.
Shy Withdrawn Party
Radical socialist group that prefers to work under different names. Not to be confused with the Shy Workers Party, the Withdrawn Socialist Party, the Work-shy Socialist Party or Democratic Left.
Oppose Some Wars Coalition
Radical group of selective peace activists who, by taking direct action against the Government, are ironically declaring war on a coalition.
We Love Migrants
Radical pro-immigration group which believes that free movement of labour is always good, free movement of capital is always bad and free debate of this apparent contradiction is always racist.
Arise and Shine
Radical organisation demanding a 32-county socialist republic through non-violence and possibly violence. According to a recent report from the north’s Independent Monitoring Commission: “It is not clear if Arise and Shine is a dissident republican front or a breakfast television programme, but in either case it may be worth watching.”
TUNITE
Radical union of unfashionable nightclub workers.
Conference of Self-Righteous in Ireland
Radical Catholic group calling for a mandatory redistribution of wealth from the rich to the poor, except where a rich church has abused poor children.
Youth Lovely Youth
Radical middle-aged men who like setting up groups with “youth” in the title and organising meetings where youths are made especially welcome, not in a wealthy church sort of a way, but still in a slightly creepy and exploitative sort of a way.
Dr Caitríona Lunch
Radical author, academic and Fellowess of Fairness Studies at the University of Dundalk. Turns up for any protest as long as there are sandwiches.
People Before Prophet
Radical secular Islamic group calling for a complete separation of mosque and state, but still feeling a little uneasy about any ham in those sandwiches.
Boyd Before Barrett
Radical alternative comedy duo currently appearing in Vent Your Anger, Matron! at the Pavilion Theatre, Dún Laoghaire.
Windymedia
Radical independent media website hosted on a windmill-driven server in UCD. Due to its reliance on anti-cyclonic weather systems, Windymedia is Ireland’s only left-wing low-pressure group.
TINTO
Radical union of teachers who think they are miners.
Ógra Gerry Féin
Radical youth wing of Gerry Féin, Ireland’s largest British political party. Will not attend demonstrations as such, but may post a picture of two members holding up a home-made banner on its website afterwards.
Bus Drivers for Palestine
Radical public transport workers demanding a withdrawal of Israel to its 1967 frontiers, followed by a phased restoration of full Palestinian sovereignty, to be introduced in parallel with heated steering wheels on all vehicles in the Ringsend Depot as per UN Resolution 6593/A/21-D.
Unwaged Action
Radical community activists who make a full-time job out of being unemployed, without noticing the paradox in this position or much liking anyone who points it out.
SCOOBYTU
Radical union of public sector workers, who would have gotten away with it too, if it hadn’t been for those meddling kids.