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A SOCIALIST party with elected representatives on both sides of the border is launching its Tyrone branch online this Thursday.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, People Before Profit (PBP) will be holding the event virtually via Facebook Live, starting at 7pm.
University lecturer, Dr Damian Gallagher, who joined the party in March this year, will be chairing the online launch event.
A trade union activist from a long line of hard-working family members in Strabane, Dr Gallagher said, “People Before Profit offer an alternative way forward beyond the sectarian stalemate that dominates our political landscape and a real desire to address economic and social inequalities.”
Guest speakers on the night will be prominent Derry civil rights campaigner, Eamon McCann (pictured above), who sits on Derry City and Strabane District Council for PBP, and his party colleague, Carlow County councillor Adrienne Wallace.
Dr Gallagher said, “They will discuss the politics of the party, the real challenges that are ahead of us all and the work of delivering real change in Ireland.”
The Strabane man said that the aims and campaigning of the branch would ultimately be driven by the people of Tyrone.
He said, “We are fully aware that environmental concerns, continuing unemployment and social deprivation, sustained attacks on the rights of working people – as well as devastating cuts to education, health services and the welfare system – are amongst the real issues that are causing extreme difficulties and driving a real desire for change in Tyrone and across the country.”
Dr Gallagher said the party stood ready and organised to represent and work for a “more equal” Tyrone.
He said, “If people in Tyrone, regardless of their background, want to see real change to this status quo and reverse the continual attacks and decline on rural communities then they must stand up and make change happen.”
The university lecturer added, “We extend a warm welcome to everyone to tune in and hear about this new branch in Tyrone.”
The launch will be broadcast via Facebook Live on the People Before Profit Tyrone Facebook page on Thursday, starting at 7pm.
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