Labour to recruit new national organiser
Labour bosses are hiring a new supremo to help the party reconnect with voters around the country in advance of local and European elections in 2009.
A new national organiser' is being recruited to revitalise local organisations to win more support in each constituency.
The position has been vacant for up to two years after old-style stalwart Pat Magnier retired but it is being revamped in Labour’s bid to reposition itself as an active campaigning party.
Boosting morale among grass roots members is one of the key objectives of new party leader Eamon Gilmore.
A Labour spokesman said: “The national organiser will play a key role in politically organising the party in advance of the next local, European and General Elections.”
The office holder will report directly to Mr Gilmore and work closely with other key party strategists like the general secretary and the director of elections.
Labour performed well in the previous local elections in 2004 but knows it will have to win votes from all parties to retain and increase support in 2009.
The spokesman added: “The previous national organiser position was that of a local fixer for head office but now the role will become more strategic and pro-active”.
After his election in September Mr Gilmore vowed to renew Labour on the ground by energising party workers.
He said at the time: “We have to organise more effectively on the ground. We have to develop a new politics. It’s not about just packaging the Labour Party and selling it in a new way. It is also about developing political responses for the needs of the new Ireland.”
