All International subcategories:
Europe keywords:
Northern Ireland
Highlight keywords |
Print this article
Search site for keywords: Belfast - Ireland - Protestant - Catholic - Northern Ireland
East Belfast riots: Only united working class action can prevent further attacks
Socialist Party, CWI, Ireland
The rioting in the Catholic enclave in the predominantly Protestant east Belfast, Northern Ireland, on 20 and 21 June - the worst in recent years - did not appear from a blue sky. Throughout the Troubles, the interface between the Catholic Short Strand and Protestant Lower Newtownards Road has been the scene of sporadic sectarian violence emanating from both communities.
In recent months, there have been an increasing number of attacks on homes in both communities and this has ratcheted up sectarian tensions. The loyalist paramilitary Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) used an incident to organise hundreds of young people from across east Belfast to join them in an orchestrated attack on the Short Strand.
There is little doubt that the UVF carried out the attack for its own cynical reasons. It has been angered by the continued investigation by the Historical Enquiry Team, established by the police service of Northern Ireland into the UVF's role in sectarian atrocities during the Troubles.
Like the rioting in another area, Rathcoole, last year, this was an attempt by the UVF to flex its muscles and send a warning to the state to back off. Internal tensions in the UVF may also have been factors leading up to the riots.
On 22 June, UVF members were among those stewarding the area to prevent clashes between young people following a series of talks. Obviously, they felt their point had been made.
When the rioting broke out dissident republican paramilitaries consciously intervened, hoping to be seen as 'defenders of the community'. The dissidents are seeking to develop a base of support in the communities by their actions and have no interest whatsoever in the welfare of working class people.
These events are yet another demonstration that, despite the propaganda from the establishment, sectarianism has not been overcome by the so-called 'peace process'. In fact, as the Socialist Party has previously explained in depth, the institutions established by the Good Friday Agreement have cemented and deepened sectarian division.
The rioting also reflects the dire social conditions, including high unemployment, which exist in these communities. Youth who see no hope of a decent future and who feel alienated from society can be drawn towards sectarian forces such as the UVF and dissident republicans.
Sectarian attacks
For now, the conflict has subsided but nothing is resolved. The conditions which sparked the riots remain to ignite at another point, not just in east Belfast but at all sectarian interfaces.
The majority of people in the Short Strand and Lower Newtownards Road, and the majority of people in other interface areas, are totally opposed to sectarian attacks. Despite this, conflict does break out. Conscious sectarian elements deliberately foment low level attacks on a regular basis and seek opportunities to provoke more serious outbreaks of violence.
While working class people on either side of the peacelines can and do work hard in their own areas to prevent attacks, it is of vital importance that genuine activists link up and work together across the peacelines if a more permanent solution to the problem of sectarian attacks is to be found.
Trade union activists based in interface areas can and should play a key role in taking such initiatives. At key points throughout the last 40 years trade union activists have held the line in combating sectarianism.
Taking such initiatives is not easy, especially at times of sharp increases in tension and violence. If even a handful of activists on both sides of an interface were to take a stand however, building joint bodies, they could mobilise large numbers of local people behind them, and transform the situation.
Anti-sectarian bodies should consciously take up social and economic issues from the outset. Uniting communities in their common interests, to campaign on issues like youth unemployment and oppose attacks on services, would not only strengthen campaigns on these issues, but would help to break down sectarian divisions. Ultimately, tackling the conditions which breed sectarian conflict is the only way to defeat the reactionary forces that base themselves on division.
As the recent events in east Belfast demonstrate, if a political alternative is not built, then reactionary, sectarian groups can develop further and gain support.
All the Assembly parties depend upon sectarian division to maintain their political power. A new party of the working class, which actively combats sectarianism, is urgently needed.
Full article see www.socialistworld .net
Donate to the Socialist Party
Finance appeal
The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.
The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.
The government has now ripped up its 'austerity' mantra and turned to policies that not long ago were denounced as socialist. But after the corona crisis, it will try to make the working class pay for it, by trying to claw back what has been given.
- The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
- When the health crisis subsides, we must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.
Inevitably, during the crisis we have not been able to sell the Socialist and raise funds in the ways we normally would.
We therefore urgently appeal to all our viewers to donate to our Fighting Fund.
LATEST POSTS
12 May Stop Israeli state brutality
 |
9 May Post-election meetings
15 May Birmingham Socialist Party: How can we fight for socialist change and a new workers' party?
17 May Oxfordshire & Aylesbury Socialist Party: The role of the state
18 May Bristol North Socialist Party: Liverpool - history of socialist struggle
CONTACT US
Phone our national office on 020 8988 8777
Email: [email protected]
Locate your nearest Socialist Party branch Text your name and postcode to 07761 818 206
Regional Socialist Party organisers:
Eastern: 079 8202 1969
East Mids: 077 3797 8057
London: 075 4018 9052
North East: 078 4114 4890
North West 079 5437 6096
South West: 077 5979 6478
Southern: 078 3368 1910
Wales: 079 3539 1947
West Mids: 024 7655 5620
Yorkshire: 078 0983 9793
ABOUT US
ARCHIVE
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999