People Before Profit

People Before Profit
source
Name	People Before Profit
Country	Ireland
Foundation	2005
Ideology	Democratic socialism, Anti-capitalism, Eco-socialism, Irish republicanism
Position	Far-left
European	European Anti-Capitalist Left
Colour	Red
Website	https://www.pbp.ie

People Before Profit. People Before Profit is a far-left political party operating in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Founded in 2005, it advocates for democratic socialism, anti-capitalism, and radical social change, positioning itself as an alternative to more established parties like Sinn Féin and the Labour Party. The party is known for its grassroots activism, involvement in social movements, and its representatives in the Dáil Éireann and Northern Ireland Assembly.

History and formation

The party emerged from the Socialist Workers Party and was officially established in 2005, with key founding figures including Richard Boyd Barrett and Bríd Smith. Its formation was significantly influenced by its involvement in the Irish anti-war movement, particularly opposition to the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War. Early growth was fueled by activism around issues such as the 2008 Irish financial crisis, the Irish bank bailout, and participation in the Campaign Against Home and Water Taxes. The party first gained electoral traction with the election of Boyd Barrett to Dáil Éireann in the 2011 Irish general election, representing the Dún Laoghaire constituency.

Ideology and political positions

People Before Profit is rooted in Trotskyism and Marxist theory, advocating for the overthrow of capitalism and its replacement with a socialist society. Core policy positions include the nationalization of key industries like Bank of Ireland and Aer Lingus, the abolition of the Universal Social Charge, and the provision of a universal basic income. The party is a strong proponent of Irish reunification and criticizes the Good Friday Agreement for institutionalizing sectarianism. It actively supports Palestinian rights, the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, and campaigns on issues such as climate change, opposing projects like the Corrib gas project and advocating for a Green New Deal.

Electoral performance and representation

The party achieved its first major success in the 2016 Irish general election, electing several TDs including Gino Kenny in Dublin Mid-West and Mick Barry in Cork North-Central. In Northern Ireland, members like Gerry Carroll have been elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly from West Belfast. People Before Profit typically contests elections under the Solidarity–People Before Profit banner in the Republic and has seen fluctuating results, with significant support in urban areas like Dublin and Belfast. The party failed to win any seats in the 2020 Irish general election but returned to the Dáil in a by-election with Ivana Bacik, though she later joined the Labour Party.

Organisation and structure

The party operates as a united front with a decentralized, activist-led structure, closely aligned with the Socialist Workers Party and the Committee for a Workers' International. Key internal organizations include the People Before Profit Alliance and its Northern wing, with decisions heavily influenced by its core of full-time activists. It maintains fraternal links with international groups such as the European Anti-Capitalist Left and the International Socialist Alternative. Major figures beyond the founders include Eamonn McCann, a veteran activist from Derry, and Paul Murphy, a MEP for Dublin who was elected under the Solidarity–People Before Profit alliance.

Criticism and controversies

The party has faced criticism from rivals like Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil for its radical economic policies, often labeled as unrealistic or detrimental to business confidence. Its stance on issues such as NATO and the European Union has drawn accusations of isolationism from centrist parties. Internally, it has been scrutinized for the dominant role of the Socialist Workers Party within its structures, leading to debates about democratic accountability. Controversial positions, including support for the Venezuelan government under Nicolás Maduro and calls to disband the Police Service of Northern Ireland, have also sparked significant political and media debate.

Category:Political parties in the Republic of Ireland Category:Political parties in Northern Ireland Category:Far-left political parties in Ireland Category:2005 establishments in Ireland