The Workers’ Party has a representative on Dublin City Council for the first time since 1999 with the announcement today (Wednesday, 21st January) that north inner city councillor, Éilis Ryan, has joined the organisation.
Announcing her decision to join the Workers’ Party, Éilis Ryan, said: “The Workers’ Party has a proud history of standing up for people in Dublin, from exposing the planning corruption that scarred the city, to campaigning for adequate housing, to speaking out for women’s rights. It has consistently articulated a vision for our economy that puts human beings ahead of corporate interests.”
She added: “Along with many other people, I believe it is essential to begin building an alternative to the conservative politics of Ireland’s main political parties. With this objective in mind, a large group of young, left wing activists in Dublin have taken the decision to join the Workers’ Party. Along with them I am convinced that the Workers’ Party offers the tools we need to start building a fairer Ireland and allows me to best represent the interests of those who elected me to Dublin City Council.”
Workers’ Party President, Michael Donnelly, welcomed Éilis into the party and announced plans for a Dublin Workers’ Party conference that will take place in Wynn’s Hotel, Abbey Street Lower, Dublin 1, on Saturday, 7th February.
“Éilis is part of a new generation of political activists who have joined the Workers’ Party in recent months,” he said, “they share a belief that our organisation is the most effective vehicle for delivering progressive change in Ireland.
“In previous decades the Workers’ Party was at the fore in forcing the issue of equality onto the political agenda in Ireland, North and South. It was our party that fought elite corruption, discrimination against minorities and for an effective, well-planned economy. The Workers’ Party is open to change in order to best serve the interests of the working class. The Dublin Workers’ Party conference will involve a day of discussion and debate on how left-wing activists can best advance the cause of progressive politics and the role a reenergised Workers’ Party will play in this struggle.”