After Rabbitte, Labour must get back to basics

NOW that we are in the post Pat Rabbitte era, I believe the Labour Party must listen to the very clear message we received from our electorate and from those who are supporters of left politics in the Republic.

I believe that rather than putting our energy into accords and inter-party strategies, Labour urgently needs to continue its work on the ground in the communities where it is most needed.

It is only by continuing to listen and to represent people on the issues that affect their lives that we will be equipped to campaign forcefully for policy change on issues such as health inequalities, educational disadvantage, lack of social and affordable housing and inappropriate planning and development, etc.