[the progress of Sinn Fein and its transformation…]
Socialist Organiser1984 1984-01-26Read it in the scan (PDF), scan page 11 →
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the progress of Sinn Fein and its transformation into a mass socialist party by explaining clearly the evolution of Sinn Fein policy, not by making superficial criticisms. The left in Britain has a lot to learn from the growth of Sinn Fein and we should concentrate on forming closer practical links, assimilating the experiences of their successes and putting them into effect in the labour movement in Britain.
A 'turn to social and community politics" modelled on Sinn Fein Advice Centre principles and adapted to the struggle for socialism in Britain could provide the vehicle for turning the Labour Party into a campaigning working class It is essential that the Trotskyist movement succeeds in reappraising its own history and mistakes, recognises the obsolescence of many of its old practices and responds to the demands of the real life movement and the needs of working people as Sinn Fein has done. It is this which constitutes a Marxist approach, not the ability to quote the correct text or win insulated debates on points of theory ALAN BROOKE Huddersfield I AM dismayed that the policy to attempt a degree of innovation in the paper's style and content seems to have been all but abandoned of late.
All the priority appears to be given to overlong and obscure discussion pieces. Little priority or none is allotted to features which are genuinely lively and informative. Where did the poetry and rock columns go? When did we last have an entertaining film or television review?
As a supporter of SO I would like it to increase in both readership and political influence. To do this it will have to attract more people.
A publication that gives all its space to those who want to engage in long, esoteric discussions or sectarian diatribes will not be able to increase its following:
I would like to submit a few ideas towards discussion about how Socialist Organiser could improve on its quality and readability.
The poetry and rock columns should be restored as regular features. Proper priority should be given to Les Hearn's excel-