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In recent days, we've seen some criticism around people's decisions to either join or leave political parties. Here's why the focus on party politics misses huge and important parts of the democratic process in Ireland. [1]
Party politics and representative democracy is just one small part of how our collective issues are dealt with. Political parties do the work of navigating power, of measuring what is 'politically possible' and very often what is politically advantageous for themselves.
Most commonly issues of equality and discrimination are forced into public consciousness not by politicians, but by 'ordinary' people who have the courage and audacity to speak up for themselves. Most commonly, they are first met with indifference or disdain by those in power.
Politicians, and more specifically powerful political parties, feel entitled to the power they have. They've counted the votes, they've claimed their seats and as long as they see their polling numbers stay steady - they feel safe from public accountability.
What they aren't safe from, is the scrutiny they're put under by the interests of big business, landlords, airline companies, fossil fuel peddlers, and their own party bosses to comply, conform and serve the needs of the wealthy view who's voices are heard before ours.
And as the people forced to live in this system - we're presented with choices about how to get heard. Some people join political parties to shout from within, some form groups separate to party politics. Some join and then leave because it's clear their voice will not be heard.
But when we tear each other down for our decisions or over disagreements about tactics - we stop talking about those powerful few who get heard, who manipulate and steal the ears of the people elected to represent us.
To quote Trade Unionist Jim Larkin 'The great are only great because we are on our knees'. Divide and conquer is a very clear tactic they use to retain their power. Rising means having each other's backs holding and holding each other to account.
Rising means building structures that prevent burnout, which are anti-racist, feminist, queer affirming, and brave. It means mutual care, accountability, humility. It does not mean attacking each other because we are hurt. It does not mean being defensive and refusing to learn.
We need to be here for hard conversations and heated disagreements about tactics, we need to be here for being called in and learning with humility and gratitude. We need to be here for each other!
