When it all goes wrong
The questions in the letter below were put directly to Eugene McCartan, then General Secretary, to the National Executive Committee and to Jimmy Doran – the member referred to in the letter. The author received the following reply: “The decisions taken where taken collectively. All member of the committee take full responsibility for all decisions. This is the final correspondence with you in regards this matter. The matter is closed.” Eugene McCartan
Actually, the matter is not closed. This reply confirms the answer yes to all the questions raised and it also confirms that the leadership circles around, and defends itself no matter how ludicrous the position that had been adopted. They will sacrifice the Party not just to ridicule but to dangers that could destroy it entirely. It confirms that the leadership considers itself above all or any considerations; above the requirement not to harm the Party; above the requirement to review errors; above the requirement to look at issues within objective constraints and above the requirement to treat human beings with dignity and respect.
Eugene McCartan is now on record as confirming that the Communist Party of Ireland did, and will continue, to hear and judge complaints against members that those members know nothing about – that is, reports or complaints that have been kept secret not only from accused members but from branch members and the membership as a whole.
That the Party did and will continue to judge members without those members seeing the charges or the evidence against them. That the Party did and will continue to pass judgements without the members being offered any opportunity to explain or defend themselves. That the Party did and will continue to demand compliance with those judgements under pain of unspecified disciplinary action, including expulsion from the Party.
These specific acts were committed first, by the officers of the Dublin Branch, then by the Southern Area Ccommittee and eventually endorsed by the NEC. There is a clear paper-trail to confirm these claims though, of course, that paper-trail is not required as the substance of the claims has been confirmed by McCartan. Furthermore, claiming that taking collective responsibility for collective decisions somehow excuses the leadership for such travesties of management and for the perpetuation of attacks against communists within the Party is contemptible.
This is madness and also extremely dangerous. The defendant does not even get to attend the trial. Is this the socialist justice the Communist Party of Ireland hopes will woo the workers into its ranks?
Short-term ‘solutions’ to problems and ill-conceived actions have exposed the abysmal quality of the leadership. That’s a problem that could be solved. If only the same hope could confidently be expressed for the future of the Party that has been reduced to its current state by those actions.
It is difficult to decide which is the greater transgression: Eugene McCartan putting his name to a note that confirms and defends the above transgressions or the actual transgressions themselves. McCartan and his crony leadership colleagues should hang their collective heads in shame. And then resign.
Text of letter sent to Eugene McCartan, the NEC, and Jimmy Doran, Chairperson of the (then) Southern Area Committee:
Is the Jimmy Doran associated with the Trade Union Left Forum and also the Convenor of the trade union committee of the Party the same Jimmy Doran who is Chairperson of the Southern Area Committee of the Communist Party of Ireland?
The same Jimmy Doran who is in the leadership of a party that refused to employ the ICTU Guidelines on Prevention of Bullying and Harassment for Trade Union Activists or the Health and Safety Authority guidelines or other statutory and good practise guidelines to assist in the handling of cases of alleged bullying within the party?
The same Jimmy Doran who signed his name to a letter from the Southern Area Committee threatening a member with disciplinary action?
The same Jimmy Doran whose committee accepted an irregular and unauthorised complaint against that member?
The same Jimmy Doran whose committee sat in judgement of that member when he knew that that person had not even seen the complaint against him? And whose committee did not furnish him with a copy of the complaint?
The same Jimmy Doran whose committee did not offer any right of reply or defence?
The same Jimmy Doran who a few days later, following a protest from the member insisting that the charges be substantiated or withdrawn, replied that the member was in “no position to insist on any such follow up….”?
The same Jimmy Doran who represents his union on the ICTU Health & Safety Committee – the same committee that drew up the bullying and harassment guidelines?
If a private company treated a worker in that fashion, trade unions and the Party would be protesting loudly about such tactics.
Are these values that the CPI would promote? Are these tactics that the CPI would endorse?
Or, is it a case of do as we say, not as we do?
And, have you ever considered how any external entity – friend or foe – might perceive such an absurdity if it turns out that the answer to any of the questions above is yes?
I require a response to these questions.
Named member
2 March 2022