A non-sectarian socialist discussion group has been set up in Belfast. Initiated by Socialist Democracy and supported by independent left activists and by a new organisation, the International Socialists, it is open to all socialists interested in debate and education in socialist ideas.
The depressing reality on the Irish left is of small organisations bounded by mindless activism, dogmatic statements of illdigested political positions and a lightheaded dismissal of serious politics, that leads to constant swings of policy that can lead to organisations taking contradictory positions from one week to the next. This discredits not oniy them, but also the John McGuffin The members of Socialist Democracy would like to note, with sadness, the death of John McGuffin.
A founder member of Peoples Democracy, forerunner of Socialist Democracy, John, the spokesperson for anarchism in the North of Ireland, soon parted company with the organisation of Marxist sympathisers that arose out of the early Left Civil Rights organisation.
However we remained connected through John's unremitting reportage of the hypocrisy and oppression involved in the continuation of the Northern state. He wrote prolifically.
Two of his books, The Guinea Pigs, detailing British torture of internees and Internment, detailing the history of its use, remain classics (at the time John had been the only Protestant internee).
A man with a wicked sense of humour and a love of Published by Socialist Democracy Publications, PO Box 40, Belfast Further details: 028 90601555 standing of socialism in the working class. discussed: 'anti-globalisation' moveBush's terror debated ments • The Communist Manifesto, and • Theory and spontaneity in revolutionary politics The May debate is on the outcome of the abortion referendum.
Decisions on discussions, activities and speakers are taken by open meetings of the forum, which is open to all socialist activists. Further details from the Socialist Democracy contact addresses.
Death of an anarchist gap, was from John gratulation and praise. Din its beginnings. ist establishment. honesty of revolution. In its short life the group has • The US 'War on terror' • The 'anti-capitalist' and McGuffin, with words of conPerhaps the greatest significance of John's life was A schoolmate of John