ARTHUR SCARGILL A LEGENDARY SOCIALIST AND TRADE UNION ACTIVIST - Conor Murphy MP

Newry and Armagh MP Conor Murphy has said that the name Arthur Scargill will forever be synonymous with trade unionism and left-wing politics. He was commenting on the news that Scargill will be visiting the local area on Saturday 21st June. The MP who confirmed that he would be meeting with the former leader of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) during his visit, said that Arthur Scargills visit would bring back many vivid memories to all those who were battling against inequality, in particular the Thatcher era.

Conor also encouraged young people in particular to attend the lecture by Arthur Scargill in Ti Chulainn Centre on Saturday the 21st of June. Scargill, who served as President of the most powerful union in Britain, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), for most of the 1980s, came to international prominence nearly 25 years ago, when he led the striking miners in their epic battle with the Thatcher government from 1984 to 1985. Thatcher wanted to shut down pits throughout Britain.

The miners wanted to protect their industry and their livelihoods. The strike was one of the most bitter and hard-fought in living memory. For 12 months, miners picketed their pits and faced financial hardship, vicious attacks by the police and demonisation from the establishment media. When they returned to work in March '85, many believed a new era had dawned in Britain . Thatcher had broken the most powerful union in the country and was about to embark on a strategy of privatisation, which would bring about the end of many other traditional industries. Arthur Scargill was born in a small village, two miles south of Barnsley in South Yorkshire . He has lived in that village all his life.

Both his father and grandfather were miners. He became involved in the National Union of Mineworkers and led his first strike when he was 16 and at 21 years he was elected the youngest delegate in Yorkshire . Arthur played a significant role in the 1972 National Miners' Strike, which eventually led to the downfall of Edward Heath's Government. The miners victory was described by Scargill as a victory for the working class, and it catapulted him onto every front page in Britain . He stood for election as full-time leader in Yorkshire the same year, and won it by 70% of the vote. In 1977 he was elected chair of the British Anti-Nuclear Campaign and in 1981 he became President of the NUM. In 1984-1985 he led the biggest miners' strike in history.

Over the years he has been the target of unprecedented media-led smear campaign, but Scargill who retired as President of the NUM after over 20 years in the job in 2002 is still regarded by most as a legendary Socialist and Trade Union activist.

The event is part of the National Youth Weekend,Campa Náisiúnta Óige 08, which sees a wide range of political, cultural and social events, including a youth debate on 'What the proclamation means to you?' which will include contributions from all major youth wings. There will also be an international youth talk on 'freedom for small nations' with youth activists from Ireland , Wales , Scotland, Basque Country and Catalan Countries speaking on national self determination.

On the social front, The Wolfetones' Derek Warfield will provide the music on Saturday night 21st June in Silverbridge Resource Centre. For booking forms and further details contact: 02882 253040 or osfnational@yahoo.ie.