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Eamonn Gilmore only declared candidate for Labour leader
2007-08-29 16:18:00 This week the Irish Examiner published a letter I wrote regarding the future of the Labour Party following the resignation of Pat Rabbitte as leader. The debate that is currently ongoing both within and outside the party must act as a catalyst for much needed change within the party. In my opinion there has been too much emphasis on electoral strategy and not enough on organisation and policy. There is also a need for the party to establish itself firmly as a campaigning party and to become proactive rather than reactive on key issues. The letter as published by the Irish Examiner does not set out to answer all the questions but rather to contribute in some small way to the debate. I look forward to hearing the candidates for the leadership outline their vision for the party over the next couple of months . As things stand at the moment only Eamonn Gilmore has declared that he will be a candidate. However it is expected that others will declare by the weekend.
Pat Rabbitte resigns as leader of Labour Party
2007-08-23 16:44:00 It was announced today that Pat Rabbitte has resigned as leader of the Labour Party. Speaking at a press conference this afternoon Pat said that he felt that the beginning of the new Dail term was the right time to step down as Party Leader. Pat has served 5 years as Party Leader, a period that has seen an increase in the number of party councillors and senators however we failed to make the inroads that I believe that Pat Rabbitte's leadership deserved. I believe that the decision to resign today is an unselfish act by Pat Rabbitte who has put the interests of the Labour Party before any self interest. Pat is an excellent parliamentarian and remains an effective Dail representative on behalf of his constituents. He made it quite clear that he felt that by resigning now it would give the new leader plenty of time to organise the party ahead of the next local and European elections.All thoughts now turn to the election of the new party leader. The Labour Party constitution means th...
Fianna Fail not an option
2007-05-17 17:31:00 As reported by the Irish Times today the Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte once again made it quite clear where he stands on coalition with Fianna Fail. He told listeners to Pat Kenny's radio show "I have no intention of doing any business with Fianna Fáil." This surely must end speculation by the media on the issue of coalition with Fianna Fail. This election campaign has shown that there is a hunger amongst the electorate to remove this current Fianna Fail/ PD government. Speaking to Labour Party members in Waterford and around the country there is no appetite in Labour for propping up a jaded Fianna Fail party. Quite the opposite in fact. I don't think I have ever come across a more concerted campaign to remove Fianna Fail from office. In case you missed what Pat had to say today here is a quote from the programme."As regards the electoral strategy I have risked my reputation as leader in constructing a platform with Fine Gael in order to ensure that the people will have the opp...
Why Vote Labour - Reason 4
2007-04-27 12:39:00 As I said in previous posts there are many reasons for voting Labour in the General Election. Pat Rabbitte has outlined his 5 Commitments for Change that will form part of any government that includes the Labour Party. Reason 4Abolish the means test for CarersPat Rabbitte and the Labour Party are commited to abolishing the means test for carers. Carers in our communities provide unpaid help for a family member or friend with a disability. And while nearly half of these carers have no paid employment and one third of them give more than 43 hours of unpaid time per week, less than a fifth receive financial assistance from the state for their invaluable and tireless work. It is time to recognise their selfless commitment |
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