Irish Republican Socialist Party

Irish Republican Socialist Party (IRSP) describes itself as a republican socialist party and claims to be both Marxist and republican. Like many political parties in Ireland, it claims the legacy of James Connolly, who founded the Irish Socialist Republican Party in 1896 and was executed after the Easter Rising of 1916.

Related Topics:
Marxist - James Connolly - Irish Socialist Republican Party - 1896 - Easter Rising - 1916

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The Irish Republican Socialist Party was founded on 8 December 1974 by former members of the Official Republican Movement, independent socialists, and trade unionists. A paramilitary wing, the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA), was founded the same day, although its existence was kept hidden for a time. Seamus Costello was elected as the party's first chairperson and the army's first chief of staff. Together, the IRSP and the INLA refer to themselves as the Irish Republican Socialist Movement (IRSM).

Related Topics:
Irish National Liberation Army - Irish Republican Socialist Movement

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Costello left the Official IRA along with other activists dissatisfied with the group's tactics and policies. In 1977 he was murdered by the Official IRA in an attempt to destroy the IRSP and the INLA. In the following years the IRSP and INLA saw many activists killed in attacks from state forces, loyalist paramilitaries, and counter-revolutionaries.

Related Topics:
Official IRA

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Three members of the INLA died in the 1981 Hunger Strikes in HM Prison Maze (aka Long Kesh). They were Patsy O'Hara, Kevin Lynch, and Michael Devine.

Related Topics:
1981 Hunger Strikes - HM Prison - Maze

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The IRSP opposes both the Good Friday Agreement and the Irish Peace Process, viewing both as simply cementing British rule in Ireland. The INLA are currently on a ceasefire.

Related Topics:
Good Friday Agreement - Peace Process

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Party members often refer to themselves as the 'Irps' (pronounced 'Erps').

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