Eamonn McCann says that Derry people “should be proud” of the two Derry men, Eanna O Donghaile and Eddie McBride, who have broken the siege

Eamonn McCann for the Assembly

These are exciting times. We have just seen a popular revolution in Egypt, where people power through mass protest and strikes brought down a dictator who had been in power for 30 years. This shows what people are capable of when they come together. It is, and should continue to be an inspiration for those around the world who are fighting against injustices, be it political repression, poverty, workers rights or fighting against the cuts. It should be an inspiration for us here fighting our own battles to defend jobs and resist the most savage cuts in the history of this country. Surely now, the old slogan should ring true. Think globally! Act locally!
We have just had 5 members of the United Left Alliance elected to Dail Eireann, two of them are People Before Profit candidates. Joan Collins and Richard Boyd Barrett will use their seat in the Dail as a platform to highlight and give public support to grass roots movements against the cuts and for jobs, be they in the community, or in the workplace. This is a massive step forward for People Before Profit across Ireland.

Since the Westminster election last year People Before Profit has been involved in a number of campaigns. Our public meetings and protests were instrumental in the defeat of the Public Assemblies Bill which was an attack on the basic right of free assembly and protest. We have supported the Galliagh Residents Group in their successful campaign to stop the MUGA being built in Bloomfield. The most notable action in recent months was the student campaign against education cuts launched by F.E.E. (Free Education for Everyone) in December. This campaign was originally against cuts to the EMA (Educational Maintenance Allowance) and the rise in tuition fees, but it soon broadened out to be against all education cuts.