There is much to learn from modern left-wing activism in Ireland. A rich tapestry of movements, including republicans, social democrats, trade unions, Trotskyists and anarchists, they have been battling neoliberalism and austerity with vigour, frustration, success and failure.
Fragments of Victory charts these political currents, from the difficult early years of anti-austerity campaigning, to the successful mass campaign to end water charges and prevent water privatisation, and the seismic victory that was ‘Repeal’ – the campaign for women’s reproductive rights. Looking to the present, the campaign around the brutal housing crisis is also addressed.
Each chapter covers a different campaign or group, written by leading activists who provide insiders’ perspectives on how history was made, and share valuable insights that can be applied to international movements everywhere.
Table of Content
1. Introduction – Oisin Gilmore and David Landy
Section I: Campaigns
2. ‘Can’t Pay, Won’t Pay’: The early years of fighting austerity (2008-2013) – Hilary Darcy
3. ‘From the river to the sea, Irish Water will be free’: Defeating the water charges’ – Finbar Dwyer and James Mc Barron
4. ‘Get your rosaries off our ovaries’: Repealing the 8th amendment – Aileen O’Carroll and Mary Coogan
5. ‘Housing is a human right’: Campaigning on Housing – Rosi Leonard, Aisling Hederman and Seamus Farrell
Section II: Groups
6. The centre left – Niamh Puirsil
7. Anarchists – Kevin Doyle
8. Trotskyists – Kevin Squires
9. Republicans – Stewart Reddin and Damian Lawlor
10. Trade Unions – Gregor Kerr
11. Conclusion – Winning Victories, Leaving Empty? – Oisin Gilmore and David Landy
About the author
David Landy is Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology in Trinity College Dublin and Director of the MPhil in Race, Ethnicity, Conflict. He has written for Sociology, Ethnic and Racial Studies, and Social Movement Studies on the water charges movement, Irish anti-racism and Palestinian solidarity. He is the author of Jewish Identity and Palestinian Rights, and co-editor of Enforcing Silence: Academic Freedom and Criticism of Israel.
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