CPI Statement

COMMUNIST PARTY OF IRELAND
Press Release
22nd July 2011

No relief for working people in new EU deal
The heads of State of the 17 member states of the euro have once again concluded that the failed policies being imposed upon the Irish and Greek peoples must be maintained and even pursued with greater vigour. The EU will now send in "advisors" to directly monitor and supervise of the Greek government's implementation of savage cuts in public spending.

It is clear that the Irish government has been hiding behind the Greek government's deepening problems and has been attempting to piggy back in on its crisis. It has been the resistance from Greek workers that has impeded and blocked every effort by the Greek government to impose the policies of the EU.

Any short term relief that Irish government might claim has been gained by the actions of Greek workers and not their own efforts. This is also true of the Irish trade union movement which has failed to take a stand. How much more could be achieved if we had clear organised resistance here in Ireland and across the EU.

The Irish government claims as a victory a small reduction in interests rates and a possible restructuring and extension of debt repayments schedule but this is in reality being led by the creditors so as to ensure payment. They know there is only so much capital that can be sucked from workers in Ireland and know that they cannot push it too far otherwise they might provoke a resistance akin to Greece.

What is clear is this agreement is not a solution to the unpayable and odious debt imposed upon the Irish people. It can only bring a moment's respite to the crisis, not a solution. There will be no relief from the ongoing savage cuts in health, education and social welfare. Repudiation is the only way forward for the Irish people but it will not be delivered by the establishment party's.

What is clear is that resistance can deliver results in favour of working people.
Statement ends