The President of the Workers Party has called upon socialists and
trade unionists to become more like James Connolly in standing up for working people and fighting against capitalism.
Michael Finnegan was speaking on the 94th anniversary
of the execution of James Connolly who was one of the last of the 1916 Rising leaders to be executed even though he was already
dying at the time as a result of wounds received in the rebellion.
“James Connolly was shot 94 years ago, not simply because
he was one of the leaders of the 1916 Rising, but because throughout his life he was an implacable opponent of capitalism.
When it looked like the British would leave Connolly to die as a result of his wounds, the leaders of Dublin’s
business elite began baying for his blood, and newspapers such as William Martin Murphy’s Freeman’s Journal
demanded that James Connolly be shot. Even on the verge of his death Connolly was a threat to them and
they wanted to make sure he was eliminated. However, like Joe Hill before him, Connolly did not die - he went on to organise
and we must do the work that he left us behind to do”, said Mr. Finnegan.
The Workers Party President said that far too much lip service
was paid to the memory of James Connolly, both by politicians who despise his socialist politics and by trade unionists who
pay homage to Connolly’s name, but refuse to live by his principles.
“Connolly’s teachings are as relevant today as when
he was alive. His socialism is ageless and we as socialists and trade unionists must strive to ensure that his legacy is kept
alive in Ireland today and in the future. Connolly would never have accepted the dictum from the bourgeoisie that “labour
must wait”. Labour has waited in vain for 90 years. Now, as capitalism is in deep crisis, the Left has the opportunity
to fulfil Connolly’s dream. We call on the entire Left in Ireland, including the Labour Party and the ICTU, to come
together to sweep this inept government out of the Oireachtas and, for the first time in our history, install a left-led administration”
said Michael Finnegan.
Issued 12th May 2010
