Under the slogan “Peace, Independence & Socialism”, delegates from various branches of the Communist Party of Ireland gathered in Dublin over the weekend of 25th–26th April to discuss and debate the national and global situation.
The delegates also agreed the Party’s Political Resolution, voted on changes to the Constitution, and adopted a number of motions submitted by branches. These ranged in subject from internal political education, trade union work, neutrality, women, to strengthening the political and organisational discipline of the organisation to meet new challenges.
The main Political Resolution, which was the central part of the Congress, was discussed, agreed and adopted. Over the last number of months members have discussed and debated the draft resolution.
Congress presents the opportunity for the national gathering of communists to come together and collectively take responsibility in the final debates to adopt the Resolution.
The Resolution is titled: “Breaking the Chains of Dependency: The Crisis of Capitalism and the Struggle for National Liberation and a Sovereign Socialist Ireland”.
The national collective of communists also debated and voted upon the motions and amendments submitted by branches.
As outlined in the April issue of Socialist Voice, the National Congress is the highest political authority of the CPI. The policies and strategy adopted at the Congress are binding on all members, from the National Executive to individual comrades.
The main Political Resolution focused on the economic, social, political and foreign policy strategy of successive Irish governments over the last fifty years and how those policies have left our people in a very dependent and precarious state in relation to domination by transnational capital. The people’s interest is subordinate to the interests of transnational corporations, the EU and the US.
Our Unity Programme was further developed at this 27th Congress, tasking the new NEC to develop strategies to promote it within working-class organisations nationally.
There was also a serious debate about the Belfast Agreement and its legacy: the current social and political impact, and the lack of any real influence or power by the people in the Six Counties over the serious issues they face – from housing, collapsing health services, growing poverty and sectarianism, to a polarisation that is only deepening.
Continued British influence and control remains the critical issue and the main obstacle to reversing economic and social decline and halting the accentuation of division.
The Congress elected a new National Executive Committee (NEC) tasked to lead and guide the CPI until the next Congress. The new NEC reflected the changing demographic of the CPI, with a significant number of younger communists now assuming leading roles.
The CPI once again reaffirmed its internationalism and its support for all those resisting imperialism and occupation. It expressed its solidarity with all those struggling to build socialism. In particular, we were honoured to have had the Cuban Ambassador address the delegates.
One of the final events on Saturday evening was the presentation of gifts to three veterans of our party in acknowledgement of long service to class and Party. Between them they have over 160 years of dedicated service to the Irish working class.
The CPI is moving into a new phase in its history. Sure of where it stands, more sure of the centrality of class struggle politics, more committed to the struggle against imperialism.
At its first meeting on 10th May, the NEC will elect the officers of the CPI as well as set goals and targets as agreed and adopted at Congress.
