Militant Left supporters were saddened to hear of the passing, on October 24th, of Paddy Slavin, a longstanding comrade of the Committee for a Workers’ International (CWI) in Ireland. Paddy joined our ranks in the 1980s and was a member of the Downpatrick branch of Militant.
Paddy was a true working-class militant. Unassuming, handsome, physically strong (he boxed as a youngster) and politically solid, Paddy had a quiet presence and authority. He was involved in anti-sectarian campaigning, trade union activity and campaigns against cuts to local hospitals and public services throughout the South Down area. Strongly anti-sectarian and left-wing even before joining our organisation, Paddy brought a deep commitment to working-class solidarity and the fight against injustice.
He worked collaboratively with comrades of all ages. During the 1990s, Paddy gave important support to our young school student comrades involved in the Youth Against Sectarianism campaign in the Newry and Downpatrick areas. Hundreds of school students signed up to the campaign, demonstrating the potential for a united working-class movement against the poison of sectarianism. In a period of heightened sectarian violence, intimidation and threats, Paddy was a strong reliable presence at public events and meetings, physically and politically.
Over the decades, Paddy worked in a number of jobs, including demanding manual work in the agricultural sector, as well as employment in the health and public education sectors. Paddy’s working life reinforced his commitment to workers’ rights and trade unionism.
In later years, Paddy moved to Belfast, where he maintained contact with comrades and attended meetings at the Sunflower pub during the 2000s. Sadly, Paddy had long-term health problems which increasingly restricted his ability to participate in political activity and the wider life of the movement. Nevertheless, his commitment remained.
We salute Paddy for his political and physical courage during some very difficult and dangerous years, particularly in South Down and South Armagh. He stood firm against sectarianism and state injustice and remained committed to the principles of socialism, working-class unity and solidarity throughout his life.
Our condolences and solidarity go to Paddy’s family and friends.