In 1968, the civil rights movement changed the face of politics in Northern Ireland. It sprang up to challenge the discrimination against Catholics — which was rife in housing and employment — and the loaded electoral system that allowed only ratepayers to vote in local elections, while business owners got extra votes.
Tens of thousands of Iraqis staged a huge demonstration in Baghdad on Saturday, calling for an end to the occupation. Some estimates put the turnout at up to 300,000 — the biggest Iraqi protest since the invasion.
The Tories are so clearly staring defeat in the face that they have turned to the oldest trick in the book — playing the race card.
New Labour is facing a strong challenge from Respect in Newham, east London. Lindsey German is contesting West Ham for Respect and Abdul Khaliq Mian is standing in East Ham.
East Ham Respect candidate Abdul Khaliq Mian told Socialist Worker, "Respect goes back to the basic Labour values. That’s why people like us. Lots of people have come to us and asked, ‘The MPs and councillors are doing nothing for us, can you help?’
The Scottish Socialist Party (SSP) is standing across Scotland, with the exception of East Kilbride where it is backing anti-war candidate Rose Gentle.
Sheffield Respect launched its campaign centre in the heart of the Sheffield Central constituency last week. Around 70 people came.
New Labour in east London is adopting the same practices that allowed the postal voting fraud exposed in Birmingham.
"Ahmed will vote Respect on 5 May. His immediate complaint against the government was the war in Iraq. But his criticisms of the coalition are shorthand to describe a deeper resentment. George Galloway chose the name of his new political party with care."Roy Hattersley, former Labour deputy leader on the election campaign in his former constituency in Birmingham
George Galloway’s challenge to New Labour in Bethnal Green & Bow in east London has got off to a tremendous start. George told Socialist Worker, "My campaign has been fantastically busy and very successful over the last week.
"You won't get a Labour government unless you vote Labour." That was the common refrain among pro-Labour politicians and commentators last week.
Poet Benjamin Zephaniah, who publicly refused an MBE last year, has spoken out in support of Janet Alder, Respect’s candidate in Tottenham.
