Communist Party of Ireland

The Communist Party of Ireland (CPI; Irish: Páirtí Cumannach na hÉireann) is a very small all-Ireland Marxist party. It was founded as the Socialist Party of Ireland, and was renamed the Communist Party in 1921 upon its affiliation to the Communist International. The party dissolved in 1924, but was refounded in 1933. In 1941 the party was separated into two, the Irish Workers' Party and the Communist Party of Northern Ireland. In 1970 the two parties reunified.

Related Topics:
Irish - Ireland - Communist International - 1941 - Irish Workers' Party - Communist Party of Northern Ireland - 1970

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Historically the party belonged to the wing of international communism which looked to the Soviet Union for inspiration.

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The party's aim is to win the support of the majority of the Irish people for ending the capitalist system and for building socialism. It is actively opposed to the European Constitution and privatisation.

Related Topics:
Socialism - European Constitution - Privatisation

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The party is currently led by Eugene Mc Cartan, its General Secretary. The Belfast branch produces a weekly newspaper called Unity, while the Dublin branch produces a monthly publication called Socialist Voice. The Party also has branches in Galway and Cork. A new branch was recently founded in Kildare.

Related Topics:
Eugene Mc Cartan - Unity - Socialist Voice

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While a registered party, it has rarely run candidates in elections, and has never had electoral success. Despite this, it has had some influence in the trade union movement. In addition, a number of prominent Labour Party members were former members of the CPI.

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Internationally, it maintains fraternal meetings with the Communist Party of Britain and many other European socialist and communist parties.

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The CPI operates a bookshop in Dublin known as Connolly Books. Its youth organisation is the Connolly Youth Movement. Both are named after the Irish socialist James Connolly.

Related Topics:
Connolly Books - Connolly Youth Movement - James Connolly

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