Union calls on Labour to abandon coalition talks

The demand was made at a press conference today at noon in the Press Room, Buswells Hotel.

“The Labour Party has an historic opportunity to become the official opposition in the Dáil, leading a greatly expanding parliamentary Left,” said UNITE regional secretary Jimmy Kelly.

“If Labour grasps this opportunity, they can lead an invigorated alternative in the Dáil. The Left will have 60 seats in the new Dáil. Campaigning with civil society groups, we now have an opportunity to present the Irish people with a real alternative to Fine Gael’s programme of austerity, privatisation, and income cuts.

“A minority Fine Gael government would be unstable and wouldn't last the full term. The prospect of a Left-led government within two to three years would be very real and very welcomed.”

Colm Lawless, National Chair of Labour Youth added: “We cannot allow a discredited and morally-bankrupt Fianna Fáil lead the opposition.

“The Labour Party has an obligation, as the second-largest party, to lead a strong and credible opposition against the austerity measures being planned by Fine Gael. The electorate have isolated Fianna Fáil and it would be simply unjust to place them in a position of significant influence.”

Cllr Patrick Nulty of Blanchardstown said: “The Labour Party is now the second largest party in the state. We must now use that mandate in the interests of working people and lead a coalition of communities, workers and political representatives to oppose the policy of austerity and cuts caused by Fianna Fail and endorsed by Fine Gael.”

Cllr Cian O’Callaghan of Howth-Malahide added: “It is clear that when the Party meets on Sunday there will be a vigorous and healthy debate with a wide range of speakers opposing coalition with Fine Gael.”