Labour needs to step into dispute

The news that Labour leader Eamon Gilmore is to step down is puzzling given that Fine Gael’s performance was nothing to boast about, yet there are no moves plotted against Enda Kenny.

In his resignation statement Mr Gilmore said that the recovery is fragile that there was a job of work to be done and that job creation is paramount. This is true. Mr Gilmore said that the people had sent the Government a message via the ballot box and the Labour Party in particular. The Labour Party needs to return to its roots. It needs to assert itself as a true partner in Government and needs to do so with immediate effect.

This should include wielding clout and providing leadership in areas that are not under their direct control or jurisdiction.

The strike by cabin crew in Aer Lingus is looming this Friday and could result in a loss of €10m to Aer Lingus not to mention the cost to the tourism sector. The Fine Gael minister for transport stands by on the sidelines. Why?

The Labour Party need to step in and insist on an intervention in this dispute. Failure to do so could result in the Labour leader being jettisoned being interpreted as nothing more than a gesture of pure optics.

John Patrick Murphy

Samsons Court

Balgriffin

Co Dublin