Labour party still has 'significant differences' with Sinn Féin, says Ivana Bacik

Labour leader says Government is made up of 'relics of a bygone era' as she eyes alternative future

Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik speaking at the party's conference at te Radisson Blu Hotel in Limerick. Picture: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

Labour party leader Ivana Bacik has said parties of the left can "break the mould" but added that her party still has "significant differences" with Sinn Féin.

Speaking at her party's conference in Limerick on Saturday, Ms Bacik said Ireland had been "defined by a two-and-a-half party system" but "as we move into the next hundred years, that form has been smashed" and the election of Catherine Connolly as president shows a path for alternatives.

"We now have three bigger parties. And we have significant differences with each of those. But we are closely aligned in our values with the Green Party and Social Democrats.

"The election of Catherine Connolly as president has offered hope for an alternative future. It gives the chance for us to build on the momentum of Catherine’s campaign - to unite and win. To break the old mould.

"It’s a challenge for Labour — but we have never shied away from a challenge."

Ms Bacik said the Government was one of "failure" that "has no answers".

"This conservative coalition, cobbled together in three parts. Two civil war enemies uneasily united, relics of a bygone era. And the third leg, made up of the so-called Independents.

"What to say about them? They are also uneasily united — by someone who truly represents the ghost of Christmas past — Michael Lowry."

Ms Bacik said the budget in October had "rewarded burger barons and big builders" through "reckless tax cuts; massive giveaways to corporate chains" and had "nothing for working families".

Occupied Territories Act

Speaking at the conference, Ms Bacik also called on Tánaiste Simon Harris to see through the passage of the Occupied Territories Act.

"It’s the clear desire of the majority of people — the vast majority in Ireland, as we’ve seen the horrific genocide being perpetrated among the people of Gaza by Israel. There is a clear appetite for this to be done, and to be done swiftly.

“It was promised by the Tánaiste previously and we need to see him deliver on that promise.”

On other issues, Ms Bacik said the party was delighted that Ms Connolly achieved “such a landslide result” in the presidential election to become Ireland’s 10th president.

She said the left should approach the by-election as distinctive parties “with a common cause” and that it is her “fervent ambition” they would agree a programme for government before the next general election.