23.04.1998

Politics of plenty

Katrina Haynes reports on the Weekly Worker fighting fund

Some people really know how to spend money. Take a look at Derry Irvine, otherwise known as the Lord Chancellor. He has decided to redecorate his ‘Gothic revival’ apartment, which is nicely situated on the river side of Westminster - and all out of the ‘public’ purse.

Thus, he has chosen Pugin wallpaper at £350 a roll. In the end the wallpaper bill alone came to £57,233. Then there was the antique dining table at £14,000, and three Gothic beds which came to £49,773. The total spent to date on Irvine’s pad is £590,000.

Now, the CPGB is totally opposed to the politics of envy. Yes, we certainly want a communism of plenty, not a communism of poverty. But any revolutionary could be forgiven for entertaining ‘primitive communist’ thoughts when taking a peek at the decorators’ invoice…

However, the CPGB also knows how to spend money. If someone donated £590,000 to us we very quickly find a use for it - have no fears about that. And we would not be spending it on Pugin wallpaper and ersatz Gothic furniture (though our offices could certainly do with a lick of paint).

No. We use our money to enhance our revolutionary effectiveness, especially in this moment of Northern Ireland and London referendums and local elections. Unfortunately, the rate and size of donations slowed down a tad over the last week. But special thanks to comrade GJ in Wrexham (£50). Also thanks to RJ from Swansea (£15), PW from Wakefield (£15), AH from Kettering (£10) and BS from North London (£5). This is a total of £105. Our £500 monthly fighting fund now stand at £385. There is still time to reach and exceed our target - if you dig deep.

Katrina Haynes