The Cork Anarchist Conspiracy was a local A5 magazine published by anarchists involved with the Cork Autonomous Zone (see page 5). A few were members of the Workers Solidarity Movement but most were not affiliated with any grouping. Four issues were produced from 2003 – 2005.
One of those involved gave this description: “The CAC was an initiative that brought together members of the WSM and other anarchists / libertarians in the Cork area in this period. It aimed to increase and enlarge the anarchist presence in the city and around.
Politically some of those involved were arguing for a more open, less restrictive membership basis for involvement in the CAC – this was very much posed in opposition to the WSM at the time which was viewed by some as being restrictive and dogmatic in a number of respects. The more ‘open’ broader interpretation of what constituted anarchism – that was CAC – was also an organisational formula for those in the group to do more work with one another.
Within the group there were different views on what should be the priorities for anarchists at that point. But we were unified by the feeling / belief that we would be better working together than separate.”
This issue has articles on anarchism, privatisation, the CAZ, Crap Job of the Season (‘Oh Think Twice’ restaurant), Cycling and Wars, Skateboarders on collision course with City Council, and fighting the bin tax.
Dec 02, 2011 @ 00:00:27
One of the people involved was in touch and added considerably to our knowledge.
“The first issue printed has a colour cover and got called no. 2. I wasn’t on the ed. group, my guess is this was a joke intended to confound & irritate archivists later on in history.
“Second was a housing special, the third focused on the Grassroots Network organising for EU summit Mayday ’04 (I was on ed. group for both these, did enjoy that; we took on layout as well.) Fourth issue was the green one.
“Print run was I think between 500 and 1000 depending on issue. Distribution was haphazard and overall poor, to the best of my recollection (drop-offs around town, some political events, give to friends)
“There was a very informal anarchist group meeting up once or twice a month during the lifetime of the first CAZ. 5, 10, 15 people at different times. That group never got beyond the ideas side of anarchism, apart from leafleting and postering as part of an anti-election campaign and leafletting as part of the ‘Libertarians Against Nice’ campaign. Couple of film showings, public meetings/ talks at CAZ and doing the CAC zine. As the first CAZ faded and closed so did that group and the mag.”