Socialist Action view of LCI conference

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Articles on the stewards' movement, the public YOUR report on the AGM of the Labour Committee on Ireland amused us greatly. From a newspaper that simultaneously calls for a programme of appeasement to the Loyalists (John O'Mahony) and all out support for the military struggle of the IRA (report of YS conference) - the attribution of 'zany' to characterise our policies reads rather like an attempt to revitalise the sagging confidence of your own supporters.

It escaped your reporter's notice that by and large it was the policies of Socialist Action that informed the building of the Plastic Bullets Conference - the most successful LCI event this year. Far from the gloomy pessimism of your writer, Socialist Action supporters think that the LCI can play a positive role in shaping the debate of the Labour Left in the coming months. The following 'zany' proposals were put forward by Socialist Action supporters backed by the LCI.

1) That LCI opposes the witchhunt and continues to recognise expelled members and CLPs.

2) That LCI affiliates to the SLV and plays an active role in situating Ireland in that campaign.

3) That the LCI should take a full discussion on campaigning in the unions at its AGM and adopt proposals for doing this.

(We were opposed to SO ideas about establishing a front organisation in the unions).

4) That we build on the dialogue between the Labour Party and Sinn Fein opened by both Ken Livingstone and the Plastic Bullets conference.

5) That this year's model resolution and campaign around Labour Party conference focus on opposition to the Unionist veto in general and Prior's Assembly in particular.

6) That the LCI scraps the useless model of Labour and •• Advertisement .. • Advertisemen Ireland produced by SO supporters and produces a magazine that will be widely read by those interested in the debates opened by Livingstone among others.

The LCI has been in an impasse over the last year and has missed out on the majority of chances it had to play a role in the developing current for withdrawal inside the party and the unions. If it doesn't take up the challenge to lead these developments, it will be replaced by some other body which can. We think our proposals constituted a modest step in the right direction.

One thing is certain. Socialist Organiser, dithering between the positions of Militant and the Provisiona! IRA, is playing no role at all.

Comradely greetings, MARTIN COLLINS New editor of Labour and Ireland, and Socialist Action supporter in the unions? 15% OR WE NUPE

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