Date: Wed, 17 Dec 1997 01:24:37
Subject: M-NEWS: IRSP Ard Fheis


                   IRSP Ard Fheis

The Irish Republican Socialist Party Ard Fheis, held on Saturday,
December 6th have rejected a motion that would have called upon
the Irish National Liberation Army to declare a ceasefire until the
conclusion of the Stormont talks by a vote of 109 opposed and only
eleven votes in favor; and unanimously approving a motion calling on
the INLA to continue the policy of "defense and retaliation in effect
since March of 1995.  

A new constitution was passed unanimously. Among key elements of the 
new constitution are a reorganization along types of action, with the
various actions grouped within specific departments, each headed by a
member of the new twelve person Ard Comhairle (national executive). 
All party members will now be required to be attached to a minimum 
of two departments, reporting to the Ard Comhairle members responsible
for those departments.

The Ard Comhairle was expanded from seven to twelve members. Those 
elected include: Gerry Burns (Dublin), Tony O' Hara (Derry) <brother of
INLA 1981 hunger strike martyr Patsy O'Hara), Linda McLaughlin (Dublin),
Willie Gallagher (Strabane), Kevin McQuillan (Belfast), Gary Adams 
(Dundalk), Gerry Ruddy (Belfast), Fra Halligan (Belfast), Jimmy Bradley 
(Belfast), Paul Carson (Belfast), Paul Little (Belfast) <son of Noel Little, 
killed by the SAS with Ronnie Bunting in 1980>, and Ciaran McLaughlin 
(Derry). The full incoming Ard Comhairle will meet and elect a five person 
executive committee, which should occur before the end of the month.

The Ard Fheis committed the IRSP to not only expanding with new members,
but actively seeking the return of former activists. As one comrade said,
"The IRSP stated "we have drawn a line under the past and we are taking a
mature approach--the door is open to anyone who agrees with republican 
socialist politics." 

Reaffirming its opposition to the Stormont talks which the IRSP believes
are going nowhere. The Ard Fheis condemned a proposed referendum to be
held separately in both the six and 26 county statelets.

A motion from the Portlaoise Republican Socialist Prisoners of War which
called for the creation of an Irish claimants' union also passed unanimously.
The 32 county claimant's union is envisioned as a means for unemployed
workers to struggle for their own interests.

The Irish Republican Socialist Committees of North America delivered
action and financial reports to the Ard Fheis, as well as speaking
forcefully to motions 1 and 2 (the ceasefire and defense and retaliation)
and rededicating itself to the movement's support, accepting the IRSP's
leadership over all sections of the movement, and receiving recognition
of the IRSCNA's sole mandate to represent the IRSP in Canada and the 
United States.
  
A representative from the INLA told delegates that the INLA would consider
the Ard Fheis vote on resolutions concerning the possibility of a ceasefire
and maintaining the "defence and retaliation" position, and said that the
support shown for the continuance of the latter position "endorses and 
validates our analysis."

The INLA member went on to say that they will continue to defend the Irish
working class and republican socialist organizational integrity against 
any attacks that might be attempted." The INLA representative ended by
stating to "supporters and members," that they pledged to continue the 
struggle "by whatever means necessary until our objectives are achieved."
 
Peter Urban


North American Coordinator
Irish Republican Socialist Committees
2057 15th Street, Suite B
San Francisco, CA 94114
irsp-AT-netwiz.net
http://irsm.pair.com/irsm/irscna/
http://www14.pair.com/jcs/ (James Connolly Society)