Gilmore accused of imposing dictatorship

EAMON GILMORE was accused of imposing a dictatorship on Labour, as he pushed through a sweeping overhaul of its constitution.

Party vice-chair Ann Gallagher led attacks on changes to the constitution, claiming they would create a “politburo” system.

The 21st Century Commission report provoked a fierce debate at the party conference as it was denounced as centralising power and allowing the leadership to impose candidates on constituency selection lists.

“I’m sure that the politburo of 15 members will be effective — all dictatorships are effective.

“It’s fine when we have a good leader, but it’s bloody dangerous when we don’t,” Ms Gallagher said.

Mark Langhammer of the Northern Ireland Labour forum warned the changes were being “railroaded” through.

“This is a dog’s breakfast. A shoddy piece of work,” he told delegates.

Even Mr Gilmore admitted he was “uncomfortable” with some of the changes which will give more powers to the national leadership, but insisted the reforms represented a broad swathe of opinion and were needed to modernise the party’s appeal.

In a rousing speech to delegates Longford-WestMeath TD Willie Penrose dismissed objection to the changes as “theoretical nonsense”.

The changes were backed by a large majority at the conference and will see the National Executive Committee replaced by a central council which will represent every constituency and internal bodies.