Left-leaning political parties report membership surge

WHEN capitalism founders, the left flourishes.

Left-leaning parties such as People Before Profit, The Socialist Party, and The Workers’ Party have all reported a huge surge in membership and interest in recent months.

Richard Boyd Barrett of the People Before Profit alliance maintains while pure socialism is seen as too radical for some, people like the simple message his party professes.

“We are a party of non-aligned individuals who have grown up from other campaigns such as the anti-war movement.”

“There is no question that our ideas will apply more to people now, they like the idea of politics at grass roots and principled campaigning with a new message.”

With branches springing up all over the country Mr Boyd Barrett strongly believes candidates will win seats in the coming local elections.

“There is a lot of anger and frustration and a lot of people are asking me why are we not protesting more? Why are we not out on the streets like the French?”Kieran Allen, leading member of the Socialist Workers’ Party, says its membership is steadily increasing too.

“It is quite clear that capitalism is failing. Ireland is experiencing a 1929-style crash and it is pretty obvious to everyone that the Government look after rich friends rather than bringing in modest measures to relieve social suffering.”

A spokesman for The Workers’ Party said inactive branches around the country are re-mobilising and signing up new members.

“We have been plugging away all the time, even during the Celtic Tiger, but now it is time more than ever to look left.”