Controversy over Labour’s plan to ‘recast’ union links

LABOUR leader Eamon Gilmore’s drive to give TDs more power within the party and remodel its relationship with trade unions looked set to spark controversy last night.

Major changes to Labour’s constitution were approved by its National Executive Committee (NEC) at the weekend and are likely to provoke strong debate at a special conference next month.

The unveiling of the delayed 21st Century Labour Commission report saw three NEC members speak against the findings as they expressed concern over a perceived downgrading of the committee’s powers in favour of the party leader and TDs, and changes concerning the role of local branches in the selection of election candidates. Representatives of the party’s youth and women’s wings voted against the reforms.