Labour election hopefuls to host debates

Up to 1,000 people will attend debates hosted by the Labour Party’s election candidates as part of a national conference examining issues raised by voters.

The party’s 21 TDs and five Senators will discuss issues exercising the nation including health, crime and traffic.

The gathering in Dublin’s Helix Theatre has been hailed as the first party conference of the pre-General Election season.

Theme for the conference is Ireland can do better with Labour.

Party leader Pat Rabbitte is expected to use his televised keynote address to focus on specific areas of policy that the party can change.

Yesterday evening TV environmentalist Duncan Stewart spoke on climate change ahead of the party publishing a major policy blueprint on the issue.

A representative from Northern Ireland Policing Ombudsman Nuala O’Loan’s office is attending a workshop on policing in a changing Ireland.

Garda Ombudsman Commission member Conor Brady and SDLP policing spokesman Alex Attwood will also speak on the issue.

Policy workshops will focus on trafficking of women and equality while international debates will include presentations on Venezuela and on the European Union.