Madam, - Odran Flynn's post-election analysis of the Labour Party is very instructive and doubtless will be examined by party members and TDs (Opinion & Analysis, August 11th).
However, I disagree with his argument that Labour is facing a crisis of relevance. Labour is the oldest political party in the State and stands for a tradition reaching back to the Land League and into the trade union movement. This much alone is grounds for relevance, even in our upwardly mobile society.
Labour will always be relevant to Irish political life while it is based on the values of equality, solidarity and the inter-dependence of all people, together with the freedom of each individual to achieve his or her full potential. It has to be admitted, of course, that its contribution to Irish society has not been reflected in support for the party in elections. Had support for its policies been greater the disruption caused by the action of Aer Lingus in the mid-west would not have happened.
Yes, Ireland is a very different country now compared with 1989 and we are never allowed to forget this fact, but as long as the need for justice and equality remains the Labour Party will be relevant. - Yours, etc,
JOHN F. FALLON, Boyle, Co Roscommon.