PUP local government candidate Stewart Finn (Victoria Ward, East Belfast) outlines the democratic socialist concepts which underpin the policies of the Progressive Unionist Party (PUP)
Not all Unionists are conservative – why are the parties? The Progressive Unionist Party emerged from decades of under- and mis-representation of the Unionist Working Class by those traditional Unionist Parties. These parties claim to represent the Unionist/Loyalist working class, but their policies work in direct opposition to this claim.
The Progressive Unionist Party is a labour-orientated party, committed to achieving a new Northern Ireland, free from the mismanaged and stale politics of the past. The PUP is committed to develop an anti sectarian and pluralist Northern Ireland. The PUP offers a progressive, alternative approach for Northern Ireland’s future and is a left of centre Unionist party with a social conscience – we break the mould!
But what is Progressive Unionism? Perhaps the best definition comes from the late PUP activist and thinker Billy Mitchell as described by Dr Aaron Edwards.
“Billy Mitchell once wrote that he couldn’t imagine a better way to describe what progressive loyalism was all about than a group of people coming together in a community comprised of responsible men and women who are: (a) working without fear; (b) who are working in comradeship; (c) who are working for common ends; (d) who are working to develop their full stature and realise their full potential; (e) who are working to ensure that every citizen has adequate time, scope and opportunity for pleasure and social enjoyment. This was the ethical framework underpinning Billy’s idea of a truly democratic socialist society and it is a perhaps an ideal that genuine democrats can find some empathy with.”
Many people cannot or refuse to see past the PUP as somehow an extension of the UVF but we are much more (and not even that). The Progressive Unionist Party evolved from those members of the Ulster Volunteer Force and Red Hand Commando who wished to explore a political and peaceful future for Northern Ireland. The Progressive Unionist Party has an historical link to the UVF/RHC constituency and continues to influence, where possible, Loyalists who are prepared to progress along the path towards a normal society. Our present and future is about agitating for change and creating policies which better serve the people of Northern Ireland, policies which address disadvantage, tackle poverty, create a more equitable education system and provide equality of opportunity for all.
All PUP policies and positions are based on five core principles which we believe reflect the principles of democratic socialism.
Empowerment:- Party policy must empower ordinary people in their endeavours to reach their full potential as human beings.
Participative Democracy:- Within the party every member has the right to contribute to the formulation of policy and seek election to offices. Outside of the party the PUP must assist community and voluntary groups to identify their needs and to achieve them through the political process. Policy must be based on the real identified needs of local communities.
Community Ownership:- Communities and individuals own their own needs and consequently they must own the process of meeting those needs and the benefits gained through participation in the process. The PUP is a servant of the people – we neither own the needs, the process nor any beneficial outcomes – we are facilitators and advocates for change.
Equality and Social Justice:- Equality will mean the removal of both privilege and deprivations so that access is truly open to all. Democratic socialism calls not just for equality of opportunity, but also for equality of outcomes. Equality is the fuel that drives people into democratic relationships and will be the power behind a thriving anti-sectarian process of participative democracy.
Mutuality:- Mutuality is about working together to preserve the things that we cherish in common and to achieve the things that we desire in common.
Progressive Unionism is about recognising the mistakes of the past, highlighting the problems of the present and working co-operatively and pragmatically to find progressive solutions.
We in the PUP will carry on the legacy of those who have gone before us – Billy Mitchell, Billy McCaughey, David Ervine and countless others – upholding their strong social conscience and moral fibre which underpins the social and political philosophy of our vision for a peaceful and inclusive Northern Ireland for everyone.
