Rabbitte reshuffle aims to boost election hopes

LABOUR leader Pat Rabbitte yesterday unveiled a series of internal party changes aimed at boosting election prospects ahead of a two-day parliamentary party meeting in Clonmel this week.

With the party’s 21 TDs and five senators due to discuss election tactics today and tomorrow, Mr Rabbitte has appointed a new director of communications - former RTÉ political correspondent Liam Cahill.

That was previously the function of parliamentary director, Tony Heffernan, who now becomes press and parliamentary director.

Other changes see Adrian Langan become Chef de Cabinet, replacing Fergus Finlay who left earlier this year to head up children’s charity Barnardos.

Economic advisor Colm O’Reardon has been appointed director of policy.

The revamped team aims to increase Labour’s Dáil representation from 21 to just under 30 TDs.

Mr Rabbitte said Labour now had a team in place capable of “providing the people with a real alternative to this discredited government”.

This week’s party think-in has been located in Clonmel to boost Cllr Phil Prendergast, who aims to win back the old Labour Dáil seat in the constituency.

The meeting will also focus on common policy initiatives with Fine Gael.

Glaring gaps between the two parties on neutrality and the privatisation of Aer Lingus will be to the fore.

As the pre-Dáil season continues, the Greens have chosen the Burren for a two-day parliamentary party meeting.

Sinn Féin is set to announce a mid-week get-together while Independent TDs are also due to meet before the Dáil resumes.