THE TASK of modernising the Labour Party continued at a weekend conference in Kilkenny when party leader Eamon Gilmore encouraged changes in policy content and in organisation. It was mainly a confidence-building exercise, involving faith in the leadership, in the party and confidence in an alternative approach that would shorten and minimise the impact of economic recession. At the heart of this agenda was a State-led recapitalisation of the banks that would enhance social protection, along with a €1 billion stimulus package for the economy.
It was challenging stuff. But then, he was responding to an economic crash that had cut a swathe through a smug society and doubled the number of people out of work within a year. Repositioning the Labour Party and providing it with a distinctive and caring image was a first step in laying claim to participation in government. Rather than raise taxes and cut spending, Mr Gilmore urged a creative economic and social spending programme, to be funded through borrowing and the National Pension Fund, in order to provide work, training and hope for those who had lost their jobs. With this Irish-style "new deal" on offer, Michael D Higgins confidently predicted that no party would be able to form the next government without the support of Labour. Whether that turns out to be the case remains to be seen, but there is no doubt the collapse of neo- liberal economics has revitalised the party and given it a sharper focus.
Selling its message in the language of modern Ireland has been a problem for the Labour Party where its image has tended to reflect trade union domination and old fashioned, ideological structures. Breaking from that mould may involve empowering Mr Gilmore and the parliamentary party at the expense of trade unions, which contribute financially to the party while the bulk of their working-class membership vote for Fianna Fáil or Sinn Féin. Decisions in that regard are still on hold in a changing economic landscape but Mr Gilmore offered support to hard-working public servants against criticisms by both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil. And he promised funding to small businesses.
For the future, sustainable energy projects would be given priority, along with jobs in the building and refurbishment of schools, hospitals and homes. If the Government could bail out the banks and their builders, Mr Gilmore insisted, it could also guarantee that nobody's home would be seized for a period of at least two years. Values like social solidarity and community were high on his list of necessary elements in an economic recovery.
As the Progressive Democrats prepare to leave the stage, Labour is projecting itself as the independent, ideas-driven party of coalition. Its social and economic agenda is distinct from those of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael and it is offering an enticing package of hope and renewal. The effectiveness of the exercise will become apparent in next year's local and European elections when it hopes to establish a strong presence in most constituencies.