Bacik calls for economic forum of left-wing parties

Speaking at the annual James Connolly commemoration yesterday, Labour leader Ivana Bacik TD has called on all parties of the left and environmental movement to join in a forum to debate the future of Ireland’s economic and growth policy.

“Today, I am calling on all parties of the left and in the environmental movement to join with the Labour Party in an economic forum, where we can debate our shared vision for a better, fairer society in a constructive and collaborative way, along with trade unions and members of civil society,” she said.

Deputy Bacik commended President Higgins’ recent speech where he addressed the country’s “obsession” with economic growth.

“We should be under no illusion – this will not be an easy task. We all saw the institutional reaction to the President’s speech.

“The reality is that the two Civil War parties have been content to embrace our current model uncritically, without regard for its effect on those with the least.

“The State now plays second fiddle to the market, because these parties have made it so.

“But it has become increasingly apparent that this economic model is failing.

“Ireland is a rich country, but that prosperity is not reflected in working people’s standard of living.

“Our GDP figures and Budget surpluses are astonishing, yet gaining access to basic essentials has never been more difficult for so many. It is ideology – the political choices of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael – that is holding back real prosperity for so many communities and working people.”

“I am contacting all leaders and finance spokespersons from parties on the left and the environmental movement, calling on them to engage in a dialogue about the future of the economy.

“People are increasingly coming to realise that the potential for real fairness and real prosperity is found in the views and vision of those on the left politically.

“It is therefore incumbent on those of us who are on the left to come together to set out our vision for the future of our economy and our society, and to push for real and radical change, inspired by the ideals of James Connolly.”