Labour and Fine Gael are to open preliminary discussions shortly on a pre-general election policy pact, following the Labour Party conference's decision to back the strategy laid down by party leader Pat Rabbitte.
Last night, senior Fine Gael sources responded diplomatically to Labour warnings that it will seek to be the dominant influence in the drafting of such a pact. Mr Rabbitte and Fine Gael's Enda Kenny will meet shortly to lay "general principles and guidelines" for the talks between teams from both sides.
The way has been cleared following the overwhelming decision by over 1,100 Labour Party delegates in Tralee to approve Mr Rabbitte's preference for a pre-election pact with Fine Gael.
Emphasising that Labour will demand the implementation of many of its policies, Mr Rabbitte quoted one of his predecessors, Frank Cluskey who once told Fine Gael during coalition negotiations, "You can join us on agreed terms in government, or you can join us in opposition".
The tough line in advance of negotiations was supported privately by a host of Labour TDs, who remain fearful that they will be overshadowed by Fine Gael as the election approaches. "If it is agreed, it will be our programme for government," one privately told The Irish Times. So far, Labour TDs have highlighted differences with Fine Gael over the public services, benchmarking, privatisation and European defence, among other issues. Faced with Labour's bullish attitude, a number of senior Fine Gael figures, clearly delighted with Mr Rabbitte's success, opted to emphasise the areas where agreement exists. A Fine Gael spokesman said: "I feel like quoting Margaret Thatcher, 'Where there is conflict let there be harmony', and all of that."
One Fine Gael frontbench member, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: "We are all agreed on childcare and keeping taxes low. And it is good to see Labour on that agenda. The divisions about the privatisation of Aer Lingus are over-stated, which is about getting capital to replace the fleet."
However, he said: "If partnership means what it says, that means that there will be give and take on both sides." Despite strong opposition from some leading Labour figures to a pact, Mr Rabbitte now leads a united party, though differences will emerge again if the strategy does not lead to an increase in Labour seats, and political office.