A chara, – It is disappointing, but not entirely surprising, that some of the smaller left-wing parties and individuals have rejected the trade union initiative put forward by Right2Change.
This initiative has been presented as a Sinn Féin-inspired voting pact, but that is a complete distortion of what is involved. Right2Change has argued that the thousands who have come out to demonstrate against austerity want a real change of government – and this can only happen if parties and individuals of the left agree to co-operate in presenting a government alternative.
The Right2Change principles, with their emphasis on public investment to create jobs and provide needed public services, offer the context in which this can happen.
Sinn Féin has responded positively to the trade union call, but others are still reluctant.
To insist on going it alone, as both the Socialist Party and the Social Democrats are doing, is to ensure that there will be no alternative Government and no united Opposition if the austerity parties manage to cobble an agreement to get back in.
Is this stance inspired by career jealousy or naked opportunism?
Either way voters are looking for a real alternative to the existing austerity. We all know that no one party can achieve a majority on its own, but without left co-operation voters’ hopes for change will be disappointed. – Is mise,
EOIN Ó MURCHÚ,
Baile Átha Cliath 22.
Sir, – It’s heartening to learn that the political left in this country is mobilising itself into a cohesive force to harness support. But why, oh why, does it use the word “right” in its branding? Surely a more appropriate logo would be “Left4Change”? – Yours, etc,
ANNE O’REILLY,
Dundrum,
Dublin 16.