Irish Republican Socialist Movement
New Year Statement
Ráiteas an athbliain
The leadership of the Irish Republican Socialist Movement sends warm festive and New Year greetings to our members, supporters, families, and friends across Ireland and beyond. As the year ends, we particularly extend our solidarity to the Palestinian people, who continue to endure the brutality of genocide and apartheid under the Israeli regime. Their unwavering resistance inspires us all, reaffirming the universality of the struggle for justice, freedom, and self-determination.
2024: 50 Years of Struggle
This year marked the 50th anniversary of the Irish Republican Socialist Movement, a milestone commemorated with events across Ireland that celebrated the sacrifices, resilience, and dedication of our members. These commemorations were not only a reflection on our history but also a renewal of our collective determination to overcome the challenges ahead.
The sacrifices made by our comrades over the decades have shaped and strengthened the IRSM. As we look forward, we do so with a commitment to remain steadfast in our principles and adaptable to the demands of the political and social landscape.
Growth and Activism in 2024
The Irish Republican Socialist Movement continued to expand in 2024, welcoming new members and deepening our work in working-class communities. Our Drop the Rents campaign saw tangible successes in Belfast and the North West, exposing the greed of landlords and advocating for housing justice.
The IRSP has always stood with working people, addressing systemic inequality, empowering communities, and challenging anti-social behaviours that stem from neglect and exploitation. While much of this work occurs discreetly due to its sensitive nature, our activists remain tireless in driving change and improving the lives of those we serve.
Political Challenges and Developments
The election of a new British government in 2024 brought fresh waves of austerity, exacerbating the hardships faced by working-class communities in the North of Ireland. This government’s refusal to engage with calls for a Border Poll further exposes its commitment to maintaining partition at all costs, denying democracy and perpetuating inequality.
Stormont, meanwhile, has again proven itself incapable of defending the most vulnerable, reinforcing its status as a failed institution designed to preserve division and uphold British rule.
The PSNI remains indistinguishable from its RUC predecessor. Decades after its supposed reform, harassment of activists, families, and journalists continues under MI5 directives. The IRSP urges those collaborating with the PSNI to abandon this failed project and join us in demanding true accountability and justice.
In the Free State, the late 2024 election once again exposed the limitations of the constitutional path. The political systems in both the North and South are engineered to preserve the capitalist status quo, forcing those who participate to compromise their ideals. While the IRSP considers elections as one of many tactical options, we will continue to evaluate their strategic value and use them only when they advance our broader objectives.
This year, we also released a detailed position on immigration, reaffirming our commitment to putting the economic needs of working-class communities first. In a post-partition Ireland, we assert the right to control our borders to prevent capitalist exploitation while maintaining a commitment to fairness and solidarity.
International Solidarity
The hypocrisy of Western powers was once again evident in 2024, as they continued to arm and support Israel’s genocide in Palestine. The bombing, shooting, and killing of Palestinians are carried out with Western complicity, particularly at the behest of Washington. Across the Middle East and beyond, imperialist aggression and expansionism persist. The IRSP stands in unwavering solidarity with all those resisting imperialism, from Palestine, Lebanon, and Yemen to Syria, Iran, Africa, South America and Southeast Asia.
We also reaffirm our support for comrades in the Donbass, who, despite over two years of intense warfare fueled by NATO and its proxies in Kiev, remain resolute in their fight against imperialist aggression.
Adaptability and Commitment to Tactics
The survival and growth of the Irish Republican Socialist Movement for over 50 years is rooted in its dual commitment to steadfast principles and tactical adaptability. The IRSP is fully prepared to deploy any and all tactics as demanded by circumstances, ensuring our struggle remains dynamic, effective, and responsive to the evolving political landscape.
Whether through grassroots activism, direct action, or strategic engagement, the IRSP stands ready to confront challenges head-on. Our adaptability has always been a strength, allowing us to remain relevant and effective in pursuing the twin goals of National Liberation and Socialism.
Advancing Irish Unity
The movement for Irish Unity continues to build momentum, yet it risks being hijacked by constitutional nationalists who prioritise the interests of the capitalist elite over those of working people. The IRSP remains committed to ensuring that the push for Unity centres on grassroots activism and working-class empowerment.
In 2025, we will intensify our efforts to reinvigorate the Yes for Unity campaign, ensuring it remains rooted in the principles of justice, equality, and socialism. A united Ireland must not simply recreate the existing inequalities but instead offer a new vision that prioritises the needs of the majority.
Honouring Our Past, Building Our Future
As 2024 draws to a close, we honour the sacrifices of our comrades, past and present, and pay tribute to the former prisoners and their families who have endured immeasurable personal costs in the fight for liberation. Their courage and resilience remain the foundation of our struggle and a source of inspiration as we press forward.
Forward to 2025!
As we enter the new year, let us carry forward the spirit of those who came before us. Guided by our unwavering principles and strengthened by our adaptability, we will continue to fight for a Socialist Republic and the liberation of all working people.
Forward to the Socialist Republic!
Forward to Victory!
Saoirse go Deo!
