Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)

The rioting, for example, in the Short Strand last night, shows the continuing dangers of sectarianism. Last night it was orchestrated by the UVF, most likely in response to an internal power struggle. Sectarianism continues under the surface, and not too far under it, to be a danger. The power-sharing Executive is implementing cuts, the Government in this State is pathetically unable to resolve our economic difficulties, and the establishment in the North and in Britain have no solution to the problems that are underlying these issues in Northern Ireland. Putting more oppressive legislation in the books is not a solution. Only a radical transformation of the economic base of society, a socialist policy approach and an alternative that can provide jobs, homes and a decent future for working class people and youth form the basis of a solution.

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