But it seems to be a situation which is simply an extension and mirror of pre-2010 left-of-labour political parties and groupings.
So even in the face of the worst attack on workers and their unions since Thatcherism, the left is still unable to come together.
And while the concept of "letting a thousand flowers bloom" is good one (in a pluralistic way) it can also lead to duplication and competition that is not at all helpful.
There is also a danger that this competition tends to be a turn-off to those who are unaligned or new to the movement. This is something for which we all share responsibility and which we must address urgently if a coherent resistance is to be created.
Denis Lenihan
London N16