UNITE calls on Labour to lead Left wing opposition

national | anti-capitalism | press release Monday February 28, 2011 18:10 by John Cornford

*Holding nerve now will bring genuine change Irish politics

The UNITE trade union has called on Labour to resist the lure of coalition with Fine Gael and opt instead to lead a ‘game changing’ opposition coalition of the left.

“This election was about change,” said UNITE Regional Secretary Jimmy Kelly. “Part of the change was unequivocal; the removal of Fianna Fáil from power, but the rest is now in the hands of the Labour Party leadership.”

“The people did not vote for a Fine Gael overall majority. Their policies on privatisation, austerity and income cuts did not attract eno
ugh support and should not now be facilitated by the tired old fallback of coalition with Labour.”

“The Labour Party has an historic opportunity to become the official opposition in the 31st Dáil, leading a greatly expanded Left wing coalition. The prospect of a Left-led government in the short-term has been greatly enhanced.”

“We can now see the end of the old and outdated political divisions that dominated Irish politics since the 1930s. The political dividing line is no longer determined by Fianna Fáil. They have been totally rejected and must not be given the oxygen of being an unwanted official opposition. The dividing line is now between the Left and the Right.”

“If Labour grasps this opportunity, the party can lead an invigorated Left opposition in the Dail. It will have 60 seats in the new Dáil, with Labour at the head, Sinn Féin, the United Left Alliance and other independents in support. Campaigning with civil society groups, we now have an opportunity to present the Irish people with a real choice, a real alternative to Fine Gael’s programme of austerity, privatisation, and income cuts.”

“When Eamon Gilmore sits down with Enda Kenny he should explain that the old politics is over. Labour will not wait any longer. If Fine Gael wants to form a government, they shouldn’t expect the Left to be a crutch or a mudguard. They should go to those of similar policy and psychology like Fianna Fáil or right-wing independents.”

“Labour should look to the interests of the nation and working people, create new alliances with an expanded Left inside the Dail and social organisations outside. A Fine Gael-led government would only last two to three years. Then, finally, the goal of a Left-led government can become a reality. Labour should hold its nerve.”

Ends

Further information:
UNITE Regional Secretary Jimmy Kelly 087 9003217
UNITE (Ireland) Press Office Rob Hartnett 086 3851955
http://www.unitetheunion.org/ireland
www.twitter.com/Unite_Union_Ire