Comments on: Is Pat Rabbitte a Fine Gael Mole

By: Labour Launches Fair Deal Policy at Irish Election

Labour Launches Fair Deal Policy at Irish Election — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 20:04:25 +0000

[...] Sans the Fine Gael logo (doubtless in response to the identity issues which have plagued Labour), Labour launched their policy on poverty in Ireland this evening (Fair Deal -PDF). It is for us to suppose that there is little in it that Fine Gael disagree with, including the use of relative poverty as the measure. The initial argument suggests that the Celtic Tiger economy can live alongside social commitments to tackling poverty and welfare, since the Tiger itself is a product of social partnership. There is much in the preface and introduction to suggest that this is an exercise in staking out an identity for Labour after a few months where the dividing lines with Fine Gael were hard to discern and the Labour Youth conference which voted against the pact two weeks ago. “For Labour, on the other hand, poverty raises a basic ethical question, about rights, distributive justice and the real meaning of citizenship. Labour belongs to a tradition that stands for rights and universalism and promotes social inclusion and solidarity between all members of the community as fundamental values. [...]

By: What Labour Gael need is more Richard Brutons at Irish Election

What Labour Gael need is more Richard Brutons at Irish Election — Fri, 22 Sep 2006 19:53:29 +0000

[...] Considering that we now have Labour Gael is it time for them to act coherently. Looking across the front benches of Labour Gael you see many faces that you do not know, and many you do know that you don’t know why you know. Put simply the Labour Gael front bench is largely unknown by the general population. Now one thing they need to do is be more vocal, outspoken and get the message out. But another thing they need to do is create a shadow cabinet. [...]

By: Daniel Sullivan

Daniel Sullivan — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 21:50:21 +0000

I don’t believe that FG would win 60 seats without the current deal with Labour.

Remember the two parties are aiming for 84 seats that means closer 60 than 50 for FG and more than 25 for Labour if FG fall short of the 60 mark. With Labour going on the ‘independent’ route that you sugggest, I think it is obvious that both parties would get less seats and thus the only party Labour could do a deal with would be FF. Fact is in your scenario is it FF that are able to pick and choose between Labour and the PDs and independents or SF. Hardly a good place for Labour to be.

By: simon

simon — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 18:24:45 +0000

With your model of an ‘independent’ Labout there would only be one bidder next time out, just FF
Are you saying Fine gael will only win the 50 odd seats they are after if Labour is in tow. That an independent Fine Gael do not have the ability to do it themselves.

That is very defeatist of you Dan.

By: Dan Sullivan

Dan Sullivan — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 18:22:05 +0000

but if you work on the basis that Pat could turn around to Enda after the election and ditch him then there are 2 bidders. With your model of an ‘independent’ Labout there would only be one bidder next time out, just FF.

By: simon

simon — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 17:29:43 +0000

how come Labour are even on 10%? surely they would be on 5% Fair point they are losing their core and gaining more. doesn’t that increase Labour’s leverage with regard to getting their policies in place. No not when they are saying they can't potentially go in with either. Ever think that Pat’s plan is more about having two competitive bidders looking for Labour’s support That is the point of the arguement. Pat is making sure there is not 2 bidders but 1. Ie no market price for their ideas. Think how many potential young candidates Labour has lost to SF and the Greens in the last ten years. A hell of a lot I would say.

By: Dan Sullivan

Dan Sullivan — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 16:47:44 +0000

some quick comments, if the 60% of those who voted Labour aren’t going to vote Labour again, how come Labour are even on 10%? surely they would be on 5%

Also, if FG are viable and Labour can potentially go in with either FG or FF doesn’t that increase Labour’s leverage with regard to getting their policies in place. Whereas if it is just FF that Labour can do a deal with then FF can push them to the brink. Ever think that Pat’s plan is more about having two competitive bidders looking for Labour’s support rather than it being FF in a buyer’s market? As for Labour’s problems around the age of their candidates that predates Rabbitte and is something for the wider organisation to sort out. Think how many potential young candidates Labour has lost to SF and the Greens in the last ten years.

By: SOS

SOS — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 13:12:01 +0000

Reading all the comments above, I find a lot of windy, pseudo-philosophical rhetoric.

As the Queen said in Hamlet “More matter, with less art”.

Action, in other words.

By: Talking Turkey: Winning Seats in 2007 at Irish Election

Talking Turkey: Winning Seats in 2007 at Irish Election — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 13:01:21 +0000

[...] Before finishing, I wish to move to the “alternative government”. It is clear that the strategy they are prosecuting now is a model of the “old” writ large. They have made explicit the attempt to shoehorn a cross section of the Fianna Fail vote, they are looking for the same big tent that has served Fianna Fail so well. In making policy pronouncements before the election, agreeing policy and acting as a united front (if not even party), they are staking a claim to be the alternative big-tent. Yet the times of the big tent may be behind us. [...]

By: mollie malone

mollie malone — Wed, 20 Sep 2006 19:59:31 +0000

the current gang at the top in labour are notching up the years so the hunger is there to get in and do their stuff – whatever that is — i hear what youre saying – no one wants them there just as a different bunch of faces – i think the opposition think, we the public, see them as cleaner more trustworthy than the current mob – how do we know?

theres not much doubt about it but its very difficult to remember what labour did differently to other parties over the years in government except their education policy pushed through for very young disadvantaged kids at primary level by niamh breathnach

they never seem to leave a decent legacy behind them -pity
i have hopes for the greens this time too