Ireland: Republicanism and Revolution

Today we commence publication of a new work by Alan Woods on an important question that has been neglected by the British Left, especially in recent years. The signing of the Good Friday Agreement and the subsequent ceasefire of the IRA after 30 years raises the question: after so much sacrifice and bloodshed, what has been achieved? Yet this question is being studiously avoided by the leaders of Sinn Fein, who have exchanged the armed struggle for the hope of a minister's portfolio. Though they publicly deny it, the unification of Ireland is off the agenda. The strategy, methods and tactics of non-socialist Republicanism have ended in complete disaster.

Gerry Ruddy, Ard-Comhairle member of the Irish Republican Socialist Party, has written a preface to Ireland: Republicanism and Revolution by Alan Woods, published by Wellred Books in 2005. As he says, “Hopefully, it will stimulate debate and analysis. Serious revolutionaries, genuine Marxists, committed Republicans will read this book with thoughtful interest.”