Between 27-29 March, Solidarity — the socialist alternative (formerly the Socialist Party) met for our first national conference under our new name. More than 130 members from across the island gathered to discuss topics such as:
— The current state of the capitalist world in turmoil, and the movements emerging against it
— The threat of a rising far right in Ireland and internationally
— the anti-apartheid Dunnes Strike
— Leon Trotsky’s theory of ‘Permanent Revolution’ and its application to today’s world
— the Gen Z revolts of the 2020s
— constructing a revolutionary socialist force in the era of extremes
Below are quotes from new members of Solidarity — the socialist alternative, reflecting on their time at their first Conference:
The Solidarity annual party Conference couldn’t be more important given the multiple crises we are facing in Ireland and globally due to the neoliberal capitalist economic model. I am a member of the Limerick branch and despite being a member for less than a year, my branch comrades helped me integrate into the party very quickly, and always provided me a platform to raise the issues that we are facing in our society. The tradition that I learnt from this conference is that we are a grassroots political movement and bigger than just individual personalities. — Varun, Limerick
The Conference was a way for me to not only grow politically but also socially. I was able to create new bonds and build old ones all while learning how to combat the far right and engage in political conversation in a more approachable manner, with both strangers and loved ones. — Stefan, Limerick
Attending Conference was an inspiring and motivating experience. Being able to come together as an island of separate branches really made me feel part of a movement, and consequently much more motivated to be active. It was incredible to see the number of dedicated, insightful members we have, and the various talks all left me with new perspectives on current issues and how we approach our political work.
Some particular highlights were the small group discussions on building, in which we discussed the importance of communicating in plain language and allowing flexibility in people’s commitments to party work. The Northern perspectives discussion also helped to develop my ongoing understanding of the unique political atmosphere of the North and how it affects our work.
It was also great to have the opportunity for more casual conversations with comrades between sessions. I think the diversity of our members really shows the strength of our ideas, and being able to connect with people of such varied backgrounds is really valuable for understanding different people’s experiences and perspectives, which is invaluable for being an effective activist. The experience as a whole has renewed my enthusiasm not just for activism but for my political education as well, and left me feeling proud to be a member of Solidarity. — Jamie, Belfast
This being my first Conference I was nervous and excited about the experience. I consider myself an under-read socialist and felt that I would be overwhelmed by the Conference and its ideas, but I found it to be a great experience.
From the first day a lot of ideas were discussed and expanded by members and visitors alike. I felt I was getting a view from every part of Ireland in a short burst. While that sounds that it would be overwhelming, it wasn’t due to the breaks between and after, having the opportunity to discuss and socialise with comrades made it a much more digestible discussion. I think these discussions were the highlight of the Conference as I felt more connected to the people I was working with.
The part I felt was also a highlight was the discussions on the motions put forward, having an overview of the motions and people putting their thoughts on the motions show how we work as a democracy rather than staying stagnant as a group. The final highlight for me was the guest speaker Karen Gearon a life long activist that lit up the room with her story. — David, Dublin
My time at the Conference impacted me in ways I did not expect. I went in knowing it would likely be an intense and politically challenging weekend. While this was certainly the case, it was also an uplifting experience. In particular, I was glad I got to avail of the party’s democratic process – I got to make my voice heard and speak on what I believed were key concerns. I left the Conference drained from all the work we had put into it. But I also left with my spirit renewed, and a feeling that the work yet to come would be worthwhile. — Naoise, Dublin
Optimism and hope. Those are the strongest impressions I took from the Conference. Both feel wildly revolutionary in today’s climate. But yeah, hope and optimism were inspired in me, and not in a naive, blindly idealistic way either. It’s hard to hold onto naivety when you’re sat there, listening to a report on the 30 femicides that’ve happened up north since 2020; 37 have occurred in the Republic during that same time period. So it’s kinda shocking that optimism and hope are still the biggest impressions I received from that weekend.
The main reason for that were the women who spoke at the Conference. With clear, rational analysis underpinning their speeches, it elevated the evident sadness, grief, pride, anger, and iron determination of their delivery.
I feel the socialist-feminist campaigning work and politics that Solidarity is building is part of a revolutionary feminist tradition in Ireland and around the world. We had one of the 11 Dunnes Stores strikers, Karen Gearon, who boycotted and fought their place of work for 3 years, which is, to me, one of the most principled and heroic events of modern Irish history. — Donnchadh, Dublin
