Discussion: British Irish Relations: Labour in Northern Ireland:

(Continued from page 40)

tends to be even higher than among Protestants. The latest poll, conducted in June by MRC Ireland, found 75 per cent support for letting Labour candidates stand in elections here. Two major unions, UCW and AEU balloted their Northern Ireland members arid found massive majorities in favour of membership. The Irish Advisory Council of the GMB unanimously supported the right to membership. The main opposition comes from the leadership of certain local communal parties, who fear the popularity of Labour politics might eat into their support.
Not only is Labour membership a basic democratic right, it is essential to make the Agreement work more effectively. The Agreement is based entirely on sectarian structures with communal rights given to "nationalist" and "unionist" parties. Denied the opportunity to be Labour, there is nowhere for the population to go politically but into sectarian blocs with their built-in dynamic towards intercommunal conflict. Opening up Labour membership would obviate this. It is urgently necessary.