The new leader of the Labour Party, Eamon Gilmore, has written to the Taoiseach asking him to reconvene the Dáil next week to address a number of serious issues that have arisen in recent weeks. Miriam Donohoe, Political Staff, reports.
Mr Gilmore said yesterday the silence of Ministers and "the virtual invisibility of the Government" amidst a number of crises has resulted in "an atmosphere of national drift" that only the reconvening of the Dáil could deal with.
In his letter Mr Gilmore set out seven key areas he claims need the urgent attention of the Dáil, including the Shannon-Heathrow air link; the HSE job freeze; cancer-screening services; shortage of school places; doubts about the viability of the decentralisation programme; levels of crime and violence and developments in the housing market.
He said these issues merit consideration by the Dáil "in a constructive way".
Mr Gilmore - who was declared leader of the Labour Party on Thursday - said when the Dáil adjourned on July 5th, the Labour Party proposed that it should reconvene on September 11th.
"Given the issues that have emerged in the meantime, I believe that you should now reconsider our proposal and agree to reconvene the Dáil."
He said under Standing Order 24 the Taoiseach has the power to request the Ceann Comhairle to summon the Dáil for a date earlier than that fixed on an adjournment. "I am now urging you to exercise that power."
Meanwhile, Wexford TD Brendan Howlin yesterday announced he will be supporting Dublin West TD Joan Burton for the deputy leadership of the party.
He said Ms Burton has ability and a proven record and she and Mr Gilmore would make a "formidable leadership team to build and develop the party".
The other candidate for the deputy leadership is Limerick East TD Jan O'Sullivan.
The party has arranged election hustings in five centres where both candidates will have the opportunity to set out their case to party members.
Mr Gilmore will also address members at each of the events.
The meetings take place in the Westbury Hotel in Dublin on Monday; Bloomfield House Hotel in Mullingar on Tuesday; the Imperial Hotel in Cork on Thursday; the New Park Hotel in Kilkenny on September 18th; and Flannery's Hotel in Galway on September 20th.