02.03.2000

Learning democracy

The latest organising meeting of the North East London Socialist Alliance on February 29 saw some interesting developments on the side of the Socialist Workers Party.

Most people will have heard that Jim Stanley (Justice for Harry Stanley Campaign) has stepped down as our candidate for "personal reasons". At the meeting comrades from the SWP (who turned up with over 30 people) argued vehemently that their comrade, Cecilia Prosper, should be appointed immediately as the new candidate - against the wishes of representatives from the CPGB, the Alliance for Workers' Liberty and Socialist Outlook/ISG, who argued for a more considered decision.

This situation was an unhappy reminder of the selection of comrade Stanley on January 20. The SWP then used their numerical strength to force through its desired candidate against the wishes of all other organisations, who wanted to organise a proper hustings meeting.

Just as they had in January, comrades from the SWP argued at the meeting that "every week of campaigning matters", implying that nothing could be done until the candidate was known. Speakers from the CPGB, AWL and SO, however, emphasised the possibility of turning this unfortunate development to our advantage. Through a proper hustings meeting to select a new candidate in a democratic manner, they argued, some of the hundreds of local contacts that have voiced an interest in the Socialist Alliance during the first few weeks of our campaign could be drawn in.

After a lengthy debate, leading SWPer Beccy Palmer then accepted the wishes of the other organisations. Comrade Prosper was agreed as the provisional candidate and a meeting on March 7, to which all local contacts will be invited, will settle the matter definitively.

The SWP could again have used its many comrades to force through their wishes - and without doubt many of its comrades were very tempted to do so. But it seems that the comrades have finally grasped that unity is not about forcing through the opinion of the biggest organisation. It is about debating and arguing and trying to convince the others that your position is the correct one. We are one step further on the way to the democratic and open unity the left so desperately needs.

Open cooperation

Following a 200-strong rally protesting at the sacking of RMT activist Sarah Friday held at Waterloo station, several of us retire

Around 25 comrades discussed a number of matters relating to the future of the campaign locally. We decided on a new structure for further activities, with a smaller executive body meeting weekly, comprising of those responsible for finance, press, the agent (Paul Holborow, SWP, elected unopposed), the candidate, the chair/secretary as well as reps from some of the local area groups where possible. These meetings would obviously be open to anyone else, but would try to motor through strategy and aid the flow of information.

It was agreed that the move towards devolving into smaller local groups was the way forward, but that some coordination was needed. The eight area groups will hold public meetings and each work out a strategy for local work.

Other issues of the evening centred around campaigns and finance. We have set a target of œ5,000 and have organised a benefit concert featuring John Cooper Clark. A serious attitude is being taken with various other schemes underway.

The meeting was held in a fraternal and honest way and it was generally felt positive to be in a meeting where everyone worked so well together, less enslaved by rigid pre-caucused schemas - setting the tone, we hope, for our new movement.