Home Institution
Vassar College
Publication Date
Spring 2011
Abstract
This paper is the outcome of three weeks of research on Left politics in Northern Ireland. Taking the 2011 Assembly Elections as my focal point, I conducted a number of interviews with candidates and supporters, attended meetings and rallies, and participated in neighborhood canvasses. These experiences led me to two contrasting conclusions: in many ways the Left in Northern Ireland appears disconnected from contemporary political scene; and the Left has an important critique to offer the region regarding Sectarianism, the economic collapse and post‐Good Friday Accords politics. Finally, by discussing changes to the Lefts
theories, organizations and environment, I attempt to reexamine the Left and illustrate how they might overcome this disconnect and gain support for their proposals. These transformations have only just begun, as they take shape, the Left attempts to realize their platforms will become more important, more dynamic, and more critical to research.
Disciplines
Civic and Community Engagement | Inequality and Stratification | Peace and Conflict Studies | Political Science | Politics and Social Change
Recommended Citation
Witkovsky, Benny, "Sandino Socialists, Flagwaving Comrades, Red Rabblerousers: The Struggle for a Left Praxis in Northern Ireland" (2011). Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection. 1095.
https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/isp_collection/1095
Included in
Civic and Community Engagement Commons, Inequality and Stratification Commons, Peace and Conflict Studies Commons, Political Science Commons, Politics and Social Change Commons
Program Name
Ireland: Transformation of Social and Political Conflict