Comments on: Further Cooperation between Sinn Fein and Labour

By: The New Dispensation commences: Sinn Féin and Labour put forward their first joint Private Members’ motion… « The Cedar Lounge Revolution

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 08:58:35 +0000

[...] approach, philosophy and so forth is far from surprising (Cian on Irish Election makes some similar points as well). At least here, in this small portion of the battlefield, they have combined forces to [...]

By: Jeremy

Jeremy — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 20:39:04 +0000

Leo Varadkar’s recent run in with labour indicates that both sides of the mullingar accord are going back to ideological basics. Reflects the weakening of the economy and the recognition that a shift is needed in strategy if the FFers are to be ousted from govt. Certainly good for both parties as Labour have been rudderless over the last few years and they need to pursue a new path rather than as the left wing adjunct of FF or FG.

By: Michael Taft

Michael Taft — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 09:16:57 +0000

This is an important development for a number of reasons. First, the deepening level of cooperation between the two parties shows a maturing of progressive politics and will hopefully lead to future initiatives around which all strands of the Left can unite. Second, the issue itself puts Labour in a closer relationship with the trade unions, in particular, its affiliated members. What little talk there was immediately after the last election – about Labour breaking with the unions – has all but gone from the agenda. Third, it puts some distance between the progressive parties and the main right-wing opposition party, Fine Gael. It will be interesting to see how they jump on this one. They may end up supporting Labour/Sinn Fein (after all, there are only three or four countries in the EU that don’t have some form of protection for agency workers – so it’s not all that revolutionary)but, given the employers’ outright opposition, Fine Gael will be uncomfortable trailing after the progressive parties. In short, this intiative could change the dynamic between and within parties in a way that would not have been possible 12 months ago.