Labour’s firing squad may yet be out for Joan Burton

On May 12, 1916, James Connolly, Labour’s founding father, was taken out into the yard of Kilmainham Gaol, tied to a chair, and shot dead.

One hundred years later, the Labour Party is yet again in mourning after sustaining punishing losses.

This time, it was the Irish people themselves who acted as a firing squad.

But where now for the party? How can they regroup, reform, and grow again after such a blow?

Labour knew there would be causalities in Friday’s general election — traditionally the smaller government party loses out after a term in office. This backlash was exacerbated by the stinging cuts the party had to inflict on some of the most vulnerable in society over the past five years.

Some members have said they knew they were doomed as far back as 2011 when the Labour Party entered government, looked at the books, and saw they would have to impose excruciating cuts across social welfare, education, and health.

Tánaiste @joanburton just voted. #GE16 pic.twitter.com/5OGbctky6c

— The Labour Party Ireland (@labour) February 26, 2016

One member of the parliamentary party yesterday admitted that, in imposing these cuts, they had signed away their political lives.

“We knew that this awful thing would have to happen and we would have to make these cuts and by doing this it would destroy our careers,” said the source.

“In 2016, this is what a ruined career looks like.”

But few imagined such a disaster, where, by midnight on the first day of counting, only Joan Burton had been elected — without even reaching the quota — and by yesterday morning just three more elected TDs had been added to her ranks.

Last night, the party was still unsure of whether it would retain speaking rights in the Dáil.

In Dublin Bay North, where a complete recount begins this morning, Aodáin Ó Riordán is vying to become the party’s vital seventh TD and secure its speaking rights. Meanwhile, Willie Penrose is reliant on transfers in Longford-Westmeath.

Despite this, the members — for now — are remaining loyal to Ms Burton and feel another change in the party is the last thing they need.

The only possible heave could come from the self-styled “power-hungry” Alan Kelly, who has made no secret of his ambition to lead the party.

labour Dep leader Alan Kelly elected in Tipp without reaching quota #GE16 #GE2016 pic.twitter.com/PrFNYPCpn6

— Lesley-Anne McKeown (@LAMcbelfast) February 28, 2016

However, many of his supporters would accept that he was damaged — mainly by his own comments and interactions with other candidates — during the campaign and may not garner the support needed to stage a coup at this time.

It is also felt among some in the party that the Tipperary-based Environment Minister would not be the best person to lead the party, which will undoubtedly have to place a major focus on rebuilding support in Dublin.

And although Mr Ó Ríordán has not openly declared his leadership intentions, with other possible leaders such as Ged Nash and Alex White out of the picture, the former headmaster is seen as a potential leader.

Johnny Giles has endorsed our sports policy and @AodhanORiordain's campaign #GE16 https://t.co/ZDW6Jliyz2 https://t.co/WVmoYS4SGM

— The Labour Party Ireland (@labour) February 26, 2016

Mr Ó Ríordán would be a calmer head than fiery Alan Kelly who, on being elected in Tipperary yesterday, put on a passionate display, teeth gritted and fists clenched.

But any immediate threat to Ms Burton’s position is not apparent as the grassroots members and fallen politicians grapple to accept the truth that they have plummeted from 37 TDs in 2011 to possibly only having six this time around.

They also accept that the entire party — and not just the leader — is at fault.

Mr Kelly admitted that those left standing will have to play their part in reigniting support for the party.

“Tomorrow we start rebuilding this party,” said Mr Kelly. “Every one of us who does get elected will have to share that burden and will have to start rebuilding the party, rebuilding our brand, rebuilding our message, and it’s going to start tomorrow.

There will be a parliamentary party meeting sometime this week — where there will be more Labour senators than TDs. This will be the first stage of the rebuilding process.

Party rules dictate that, if returned to opposition after an election, Labour must hold a leadership election within six months, where Joan Burton’s fate will be decided.

She will be hoping that she won’t face the same cruel fate as Connolly.