Opposing the capitalist hellscape – why we joined Solidarity

Aug 6, 2026
3 mins read

Below a number of those that have joined Solidarity recently explain why they joined us.

We’re living in a world marked by violence, discrimination, exploitation, and countless other forms of injustice. Despite the rhetoric of right-wing politicians seeking to justify these conditions, I don’t believe this is how society should function. At the same time, it often feels impossible for a single individual to bring about meaningful change without a coherent political framework or a revolutionary organisation, given that the struggles of working-class people are often strangled by bosses, billionaires, and those who control economic power. That’s why I joined Solidarity. The opportunity to learn collectively, participate in organised campaigns, and exchange ideas with fellow comrades has been really helpful for me to understand socialist politics. It has allowed me to gain practical experience through collective struggle and transform my initial sense of discontent with the system into a deep, coherent Marxist analysis.

— Charles, Dublin City

“I joined Solidarity shortly after moving to Dublin because I wanted to become an active participant in my new community, rather than simply being a resident. While commuting to and from my workplace in the Liberties, it became clear to me that Solidarity was one of the few local parties consistently engaged in grassroots organizing. Although I didn’t necessarily see their name in the headlines, I noticed their posters and leaflets around the city, their stalls on the streets, and their presence in local campaigns. They weren’t just talking about change. They were out there building it.

Coming from the United States, I was deeply frustrated with establishment politics. I watched successive governments fail to address the worsening housing crisis and the growing concentration of wealth in the hands of a few, while working people were left to shoulder the burden. Arriving in Ireland, I noticed many of the same issues taking shape, and I wanted to do something to help. It felt far better than falling into a pit of despair, hopelessness, or pessimism.

As a self-identifying Marxist-Trotskyist, Solidarity stood out to me because of the principles embodied in its constitution. The people I met at meetings were welcoming, principled, and deeply committed to the work they were doing. What impressed me most was the collaborative spirit across branches in Dublin and throughout Ireland. It felt like a genuinely grassroots movement rooted in working-class solidarity.

Since joining, I’ve found the party to be a place where every contribution matters. Whether it’s leafletting, attending demonstrations, organizing events, or supporting local campaigns and initiatives, every action feels connected to something bigger. The movement continues to grow, and with every activity I volunteer for, I feel more empowered knowing that we’re building collective strength from the ground up. The impact of that work feels real and tangible.

Like many others, I’ve witnessed the consequences of corporate and billionaire influence over public policy. This has only strengthened my conviction that people must organize together to defend their communities, fight for economic, racial, and gender equality, and build a society that puts the health, safety, and overall well-being of people before capitalist growth, profit, and the destruction of our planet. I’m proud to be part of Solidarity, and I’ll continue doing everything I can to contribute to its mission and to the broader struggle of the working class.”

— Jackson, Dublin City

“From a young age, I’ve always been someone who valued fairness and equality. If someone was being treated unfairly, it didn’t sit right with me. It wasn’t until my early twenties around 2016 that I began to see how unfair the world really was. With the election of Trump and the right wing forces in Britain developing since Brexit, I felt the world was heading in the wrong direction. Though it angered me, at that time I was focused inwardly on myself and those around me. I thought the state of the world was an anomaly and somewhat unexplainable, and not the logical continuation of a flawed system.

Once Biden was elected and nothing changed in the status quo did it make me realise this is what capitalism really wants, it consciously seeks a fascistic oligarchy, which sees the erosion of democratic rights.

Trump 2.0 has only strengthened that viewpoint, and that’s when I began to search for like-minded people who also believe socialist change is necessary.”

— Luke

“Now more than ever it is imperative that young people get politically active. From the Gen Z revolt in Nepal to the Cockroach movement in India to the global climate change school strikes, we’ve seen our generation have the ability to make a major difference when we come together pursuing a shared cause. It is our generation that will ultimately shape the future, so I highly encourage other young people to join Solidarity and make a difference. Your voice matters.”

Zoe

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