2009: is it time for Labour?

[Question R24U]

The Labour party has a number of advantages going into there local elections. A good leader, although not the most charismatic, he would be trusted and viewed as honest by most people. He is also the most popular leader. labour has regained its own identity after rabbitte's mullingar misadventure.


It has a long and proud history and unlike other parties - it is true to it (as their vote on banking crisis showed). ff has forgotten that local elections are vital in building a local base. And new local candidates are necessary having regard to their parliamentary parties' age profile into the future.

Increasing the size of many constituencies will help them have the courage to field more candidates (warning in my area fielding two in a five seater cost a seat). The great advantage is that public servants who might ordinarily vote FF may not be so inclined this time - labour would appear to be their natural home.

Alex white may have a hill to climb but he has a headstart. With frank dunlop's sentence for bribing ff and fg councillors set for the first real week of the local and euro election campaign - a real alternative could be considered by a large section of the population.

fg had a great election in 2004, so it needs to pull off a massive effort to advance further. Labour does not have that same pressure. It would appear to my humble analysis that labour has the best hand as we face into the election season. What do members of the party or other posters think?

[Eurocitizen]

I think you are correct, Labour will be the winner in the next Locals and could do better if they get new blood into the party. Gilmore is by no doubt an honest decent man who people could trust. As regards to Alex white he is a shining example of the type of person politics should be attracting.
Gilmore has a great opportunity to bring Labour to new heights and he will get the disgruntled FF vote.

[tomcosgrave]

Gilmore has ruled out coalition with FF.

" Ruling out a future coalition with Fianna Fáil, he said: “I don’t see that, no. I don’t think we will be. I think you can take that as a prediction.” "

Labour calls for national strategy on economy - The Irish Times - Wed, Jan 21, 2009

[yehbut_nobut]

Gilmore has ruled out coalition with FF.

" Ruling out a future coalition with Fianna Fáil, he said: “I don’t see that, no. I don’t think we will be. I think you can take that as a prediction.” "

Labour calls for national strategy on economy - The Irish Times - Wed, Jan 21, 2009

That's big news! Does it deserve a thread of it's own?

[Eurocitizen]

He is showing strong Leadership and as I said above we will see the Gilmore tide which might exceed the Spring tide .

[SPN]

I'm not seeing it.

He is certainly having a go at grabbing the PR initiative, but his policies don't add up, and his Front Bench are a liability.

He might be a nice guy, but he should not be let anywhere near the controls until we are out of the current tailspin.

[Question R24U]

He is very wisely giving that impression however it is the Irish times who is stating that explicity, he says that the situation will not arise - note use of the word prediction.

[Trampas]

He is showing strong Leadership and as I said above we will see the Gilmore tide which might exceed the Spring tide .

Dream on. And of course MDH in cabinet is just what we need.

[Trampas]

As regards to Alex white he is a shining example of the type of person politics should be attracting.

Shame that he doesn't have a hope in hell in DS.

[CookieMonster]

I think Labour have potential to be a successful party in government, but not in it's current form. While the same old faces may have experience it's not balanced with any youthful input which is more evident in FG for example.

They will see gains next election but not because they are good but simply because they are not FF, which is a shame because they could manage both.