SSP Implodes?

Rinty · SSP Implodes?

The South of Scotlsnd Region votes to support Tommy Sheridans call for talks on a new party.

Two hours later the SW platform vote to leave the SSP.

Then the CWI voted to leave the SSP

One hour later the Executive Committee of the party vote to cancel next weeks National Council

These are all confirmed.

NOW I am being told that the UL have left the party in some kind of teenage "I chucked you first" gesture. This is so far just a rumour

I'll get back with more soon if I hear more.

IF Convenor

You're well shot of the SWP. Worst mistake the SSP ever made was admitting that shower of Brits.

Interesting times, Rinty.

Rinty · t

Turns out the UL story looks like being pshtalk.

I dont agree about the SWP IF, There is a caricature of them being wreckers but they bring quite a bit to the party in terms of activism and resources. They are better than the mainstream SSP on issues like racism, asylum, palestine etc and are more in favour of an open relationship as a movement rather than the current control freakery of the current ex-millies who hold the strings.

Its true that they are not supporters of independence but they do fully support the campaigns of a party and MSPs who do. They will probably be part of the new party and will not change Tommy Sheridan and Rosemary Byrnes view on independence.

IF Convenor

Don't say you haven't been warned.

Rinty · t

I dont actually need to be warned mate. I've worked alongside SWP members in various campaigns in this country and others for about 25 years.

I am fully aware of who and what they are. What gets me is that some of their actions seem to surprise people and that many in the SSP and elsewhere go a wee bit over the top when they do anything.

Any new party should be able to accommodate the various left wing groups, Trades unions and protest groups in Scotland in a looser fashion than the SSP did.

I'd feel safer alongside them than next to people who would steal your keys and then run to the polis with stories. Wink

azzuri

...true Rinty - at least you know what you're getting, and how to deal with, the SWP.

Celyn

I, like many another member of the public, feel as if I don't know quite what is happening here, but I certainly hope that something positive can be salvaged from this unseemly backbiting mess.

Fingers all crossed. (Typing will henceforth have an excuse to be really lousy). Very Happy

wisnaeme

I have watched, listened and read about this circus performance from a distance and I have to say certain individuals within the ranks of the left have come out of the tent with little credit or dignity and their reputations are in tatters as is the solidarity of the organisation which they for the most part adhered to. Nether has the media band wagon covered themselves in glory either. I still suspect New Labour along with others of having an influence on some of the performers.
If Tommy has sense of survival and I have no reason to think that he hasn't after his performance, a move to left of center instead of left,left would bring more moderate folk to rally for himself and still keep his principles of the left intact. Now that would really terrify New Labour in Scotland. All those disgruntled and disallusioned Labourites who have never been very happy with New Labour for continuing and expanding right wing policies, PFI for example. He could even snatch a few SNP left wingers as the SNP slowly drifts to the center right and the lib Dems would be liquidated in the central belt ar least, if the Lib Dems wish to be partners in crime in the Executive then no doubt they should be willing to accept the blame for a dismal performance as well, no matter how much they try to distance themselves from New Labour in next years elections to the Scottish parliament and local government. Go for it Tommy

frank rizzo

To be honest, I'm surprised the SSP has lasted as long as it has. The left always implode and break away into other splinter groups.

It just seems to be their way.

IF Convenor

It's the way of all zealots to believe that only they follow the true path and that even the slightest difference is anathema.

Throw a few state assets into the mix to keep things on the boil and you can guarantee the hard left will never be an effective force.

October1974

it's like a re-run of the former SLP in the mid 70's.

Blackadder

The SWP have always perpetuated themselves through the passionate politics of the young left-winger. In time, most of then grow up and realise the SWP offers nothing that it can ever deliver. The SSP seemed to be of a similar bent, but I know little of them.

They both remind me of the Young Socialists when it was being run by a monumental clod called Alex Wood. I had a few run-ins with him. Never liked him. Liked him less as an Edinburgh councillor.

I am somewhat reminded of The Life of Brian and the Coliseum scene where we learn about the murkiness of Judean politics.

Is this where Scottish politics is headed?

IF Convenor

If those naive young left-wingers would only ask themselves how the perpetually unemployed SWP can afford to lay on buses to a demo in London at the drop of any hat, and print thousands of placards and leaflets into the bargain, they might realise just who or what is actually behind the operation. The days of Moscow gold are long gone, but I believe HMG can always find a few quid to keep its undercover operations running smoothly.

notbritish