Socialist Youth’s Day of Resistance

Got to the Central Hotel in time for today’s, day of Resistance, given over to a discussion organised by Socialist Youth. A group of around 30 young people squeezed into ‘The Mullen Room’ to talk (and preach) on what being young and a socialist means in 2009.

The gathering is quiet and attentive. Various socialist slogans adorn the ‘Mullen Room’. It’s clear that these left wing political activists aren’t prepared to be steam-rolled by the government. ‘Reaching out’ is the theme – what can the youth of this country do to alleviate the economic disaster that is affecting their lives? Furthermore it will be today’s youth that will have to clear up the mess from almost 20 years of successive capitalist-style administrations.

The benefits of joining a union are outlined to us by an articulate speaker who was an electrician until she lost her job due to the recession. Pay rates and college fees are also discussed. These activists do their best to inspire. One is reminded of an old image of a slim Pat Rabbitte, campaigning in his youth, clad in a mohair suit and sporting bushy sideburns. Young people will always protest, which is commendable, especially today with the direction our rulers seem to be taking us: We won’t be taken for a ride in Cowen’s state car.

But are we living in an era where the youth can influence politicians? The answer is yes. This government must not take the nation’s young for granted. Those under 25 need to be more focused however. Talk of protest will have to be matched by more effective ways of communicating the anger out there. The young are more competent with technology than many older people. They should use these talents to work for a better future and go further than merely protesting. No doubt they will not let those in FF and the Green Party off the hook for the decisions our leaders make in government.

During the speeches, delivered by three panellists, the government gets criticised for cutting social welfare rates to the under 20’s. I speak up and say that the intention of the minister (Mary Hannifin) is to give these people a chance to access education and training. Unfortunately I seem to be in a minority as Hannifin’s policy is seen as a punishment, rather than an opportunity to assist those in that age group.

I jotted down some of the phrases used by those who spoke:

“Building a mass movement of opposition”

“Government in cahoots with employers”

“Butchering of living standards”

“Slash and burn of wages”

“Parasitic Multinationals”

After we have heard from the panel the chair throws the discussion over to the rest of us. The merits of education and training are discussed. Government must invest more to concentrate on job creation. Socialist rhetoric is well aired but the talk is realistic – not too pie in the sky, like left wing politics of yore.

To conclude my time at Resistance it seems that the fundamental clash between socialism and capitalism is brought to life. Those at the meeting are trying to bring the concerns of young people to the policymakers, the youth are getting restless. Ignore them at your peril, that’s what I learned in Exchequer Street today.