Fragments of Victory: The Contemporary Irish Left

‘Written by activists, this book tells stories of Irish movements and left groups as a key resource for struggles elsewhere’ Laurence Cox, author of We Make Our Own History
‘The authors’ sympathies sharpen their critical analysis of the left’s victories and defeats. There is much to learn here’ Paul Murphy TD, People Before Profit
‘Captures the sheer energy and diversity of the Irish left at grassroot level and in key campaigns’ Conor McCabe, researcher and editor of The Lost and Early Writings of James Connolly 1889-1898
There is much to learn from modern leftwing activism in Ireland. A rich tapestry of movements, including republicans, social democrats, trade unions, Trotskyists and anarchists, have battled neoliberalism and austerity with vigour, frustration, success and failure.
Fragments of Victory charts these political currents, from the difficult early years of anti-austerity campaigning to the seismic victory of ‘Repeal’ – the campaign for women’s reproductive rights. Each chapter covers a different campaign or group, written by leading activists who provide insiders’ perspectives on how history was made, and share valuable insights that can be applied to international movements everywhere.
Oisín Gilmore is Senior Economist at TASC (Thinktank for Action on Social Change) in Dublin, Ireland. He has participated in various social movements in Ireland, Britain and continental Europe.
David Landy is Assistant Professor at Trinity College Dublin. He is the author of Jewish Identity and Palestinian Rights, and co-editor of Enforcing Silence: Academic Freedom and Criticism of Israel.