Current Affairs

Communism Current Affairs International Political Statements

24th International Meeting of Communist & Workers’ Parties

Havana, 7-8th of August 2026 “Maidin mhaith a gcomradaithe, Buenos días camaradas, Good morning comrades.” Pól Mac Phádraig Communist Party of Ireland National Political Committee National Executive Committee International Secretary It is an honour to be amongst Communists here in Havana at such a critical time for the Cuban Revolution. […]

Article Communism Current Affairs Imperialism Politics Socialism

Lenin’s Warning: Eurocentrism and the New “Left-Wing” Infantilism

In the spring of 1920, as the young Soviet Republic struggled for survival amid internal and external siege, Lenin penned “Left-Wing” Communism: An Infantile Disorder. The pamphlet took aim precisely at those West European communists who considered themselves “more Left” than the Bolsheviks. Lenin pointed out that this “Left-wing” infantilism “regards […]

Article Current Affairs Ireland Socialism Trade Unionism

The Irish People Are Right, Well Left Actually!

The Irish people are broadly ‘left-wing’ when we look at support for typically social-democratic or socialist positions on things like collective bargaining, housing, healthcare, neutrality and transport. Yet combinations of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael continue to be elected and form Governments who actively deliver against these popular positions time […]

Article Current Affairs Politics

Iceland Says No: A Rejection of EU Neoliberalism and the Surrender of Sovereignty

On 29 August 2026, Icelanders rejected EU accession by 52.8% to 47.2%, on an extraordinary 82.5% turnout. The verdict was a decisive rejection of Brussels’ neoliberal discipline and the erosion of national sovereignty—a rejection that carries profound lessons for Ireland. Iceland’s EU path has been ambivalent. It applied in 2009 […]

Current Affairs Economics Ireland Political Statements

Do not ignore the root causes of the cost of living crisis!

The cost-of-living crisis has not disappeared and is set to get worse over the coming year. Prices are far above their 2021 level and the next pressure is likely to come again through essentials: energy, food, clothing, transport, heating and housing. These basics are already up multiples of wage increases […]

Communism Current Affairs Political Statements

Speech by Miguel Mario Díaz-Canel Bermúdez “It is not enough to condemn the empire; we must build popular power at the grassroots level, win the streets.”

Speech delivered by Miguel Mario Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic, at the closing of the XXIV International Meeting of Communist and Workers’ Parties, at the Convention Palace, on August 8, 2026, Year of the Centenary of […]

Current Affairs Economics Ireland Political Economy Trade Unionism

Government’s Summer Economic Statement

The Government’s Summer Economic Statement sets Budget parameters for 2027: an €8.5 billion package, involving €7 billion above the 2026 expenditure ceiling and €1.5 billion of tax measures. The €1.5bn announced for tax measures likely signals changes to income-tax bands, thereby preventing what is known as ‘fiscal drag’ – when […]

Article Current Affairs Fascism History Housing Ireland

Sectarianism and Racism: A Poisonous Cocktail

The recent rioting and pogrom in Belfast was met with the trite, facile interpretations and responses we have grown all too used to hearing. Proffered explanations ranged from attributing the violence to trouble-stirring social media postings, to loyalist paramilitary intervention, to lax border controls accommodating freeloading, dangerous foreigners (invariably dark-skinned). […]