Rabbitte must prove stamina and enthuse workers

THE biggest immediate challenge facing Pat Rabbitte's Labour Party will be to re-position itself in Irish political life as a popular party with establishment credentials.

At first glance that statement may appear confused, so perhaps we should explain a little. Being part of Government for almost half of the past 30 years has inevitably taken a toll on Labour's ability to enthuse the ordinary citizens who must be the party's natural core of support.

Throughout his six-week leadership campaign, Mr Rabbitte said it was time for the party to re-engage with ordinary working people, with younger voters and with communities in a rapidly changing Ireland. But since politics is about achieving power, and a major share in Government, he knows the party cannot deviate too far from the mainstream in its efforts to redefine and repackage its message.