A Radical Alternative in Foyle


Eamonn McCann speaks at Wynn's Hotel, Abbey street in Dublin on the possibilities for a non sectarian class based election campaign for the May 6th Westminister elections.

Eamonn McCann is to fight the Foyle constituency under the People Before Profit banner in the forthcoming Westminster general election. The poll will be held, at the latest, on 6 May 6.

The journalist and political activist was nominated at a meeting of People Before Profit Alliance in Derry on 13 February.

The Foyle seat is currently held by Mark Durkan of the SDLP. Martina Anderson is standing for Sinn Fein.

Following the nomination, Derry PBP spokesman Davy McAuley said: “Commentators say that this election is simply a contest between the two Nationalists as to which would be the better champion for the Nationalist community. We want to challenge this whole approach.

“There is a crying need for a radical alternative to the main parties. They were willing to bring the Assembly and Executive crashing down on issues of policing and parades. But they are in agreement on cuts in spending which will hit the least well-off hardest. Their priorities are upside down.

“There are many thousands in the North who want to see candidates on a platform against the cuts, for defence of public sector jobs, against household charges, for the restoration of trade union rights and so on. We might disagree on all sorts of other issues. But if we come together on a basic programme along these lines, we can make a real impact.

“We in Derry are up for a fight and urge others across the North to step forward and offer a real alternative.”

If you want to get involved in Eamonn's campaign, or any other activity with the People Before Profit Alliance; Contact: 07521527208