Labour doomed by secondary role

After Labour’s poor showing in the local and European elections at the weekend, and the resignation of Eamon Gilmore as party leader, it is folly to think a new leader can save their season.

Labour voters metaphorically hoisted winning candidates on their shoulders into Leinster House like some form of divine saviours. As soon as Eamon Gilmore strutted into government with Fine Gael, in 2011, they were never going to get to 2016 with that same level of support.

Moreover, whoever is in line to be lumped with the poison chalice of Labour leader will not be in a strong enough position to lead the party into the next general election, whenever it may come.