The process of forging a closer alliance between Labour and Democratic Left has gained further ground with the naming of an interim board which will lead to the establishment of a policy and research foundation.
Both parties agreed earlier this year to set up a foundation to generate ideas for consideration by the Left in its policy-formation process. The foundation will be established irrespective of the outcome of ongoing negotiations between the two parties on a merger.
Labour and Democratic Left yesterday named the interim board, which will have Mr Ciaran Benson, former chairman of the Arts Council, as its independent chairman. Labour has nominated Mr James Wrynn, Mr Odran Reid and Ms Anne Connolly, while Democratic Left has designated Mr Pat Brady, Mr Robin Wilson and Ms Paula Clancy. A Labour Party spokesman said that an independent chairman had been chosen in order to allow a "breathing space" between the board and the two political parties.
The board's initial task is to examine how the proposed foundation can be established, including its links with the political parties of the left. Funding of the foundation will also be addressed.