Mantra Of Failed Left Reformism!

national | politics / elections | other press Tuesday November 02, 2010 13:24 by IT Reader

Article in Irish Times by RBB

Richard Boyd Barrett of the SWP outlined in an Irish Times opinion piece his vision (and we must assume also the vision of the SWP) on why there is an economic crisis in Ireland and how it can be resolved. This piece should be read as it is enlightening as to how far to the right Richard Boyd Barrett and the SWP have moved in recent years.

In the article RBB fails to place the blame for the economic crisis and recession at the "door" of capitalism. Instead he clearly argues that it was light regulation and the ideology of politicians both in Ireland and internationally that caused the crisis - but not capitalism!

If only we could break from the failed doctrine of neo-liberalism then everything would be okay! RBB then goes on to explain his solution which is a variant of failed left reformism with a bit of keynesianism thrown in, but unfortunately no socialism.

Apparently what we need is to "stimulate real enterprise and develop strategic, sustainable industry". No mention of nationalisation Richard or democratic working class control of industry, nor a planned economy. RBB's solution sounds quite similiar to Gilmore's Labour Party.

"Renegotiate terms with Shell and other multinatinals...to ensure Irish people receive the royalities...". Whatever happened to calling for the nationalisation of the Corrib gasfield and the state's oil and gas reserves? The SWP are now advocating that ownership of the nation's oil and gas reserves should remain in the hands of the capitalist multinationals!

Read the article yourself there is a link below.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/opinion/2010/1028/1....html