Labour-FG pact ‘best way’ for both parties, says Howlin

A vote transfer pact between Fine Gael and Labour is the "best way" for the Government to secure re-election, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin has said.

However, writing in Monday's Irish Times, Mr Howlin says Labour will outline its own distinctive policies, such as repealing the eighth amendment providing for the equal right to life of the mother and the unborn.

On the Fine Gael side, Minister for Jobs Richard Bruton says he supports a vote transfer pact but insisted his party must have its own policy platform.

Mr Bruton also said Fine Gael would not entertain any alternatives to a return to Government with Labour but said the parties must have individual pitches to widen the Coalition’s appeal to the electorate.

Writing on Monday, Mr Howlin says a vote transfer pact is the “best way” for the Coalition to seek re-election, but says Labour will outline its own policies. The Labour Minister said the party will “seek a mandate too for the replacement of the eighth amendment to the Constitution”.

In contrast, Fine Gael’s manifesto position on abortion is not expected to be definitive.The two parties will not put a joint manifesto before voters, although no decision has been made yet on whether they may agree a broad statement of principles or economic parameters closer to polling day.

Transfer

Tánaiste Joan Burton is to seek the assent of Labour TDs and Senators for a voting transfer pact at the parliamentary Labour party’s pre-Dáil think-in next week.

While it is expected that some TDs will object to the pact, it is understood it will not be put to a vote of the parliamentary party.

Fine Gael TDs are also likely to be consulted on the pact but not given a vote, party sources said. However, the pact is not expected to be discussed at Fine Gael’s think-in, which takes place later this week.

Some party elders, such as Fine Gael's Frank Flannery and Labour's Brendan Halligan, previously called for a joint programme between the two parties but this has been ruled out by sources at the top of both organisations.

Mr Howlin also claims only the Government parties could provide stability.

“Ireland needs this Government returned to office,” the Wexford TD says.

“The best way to deliver that is a voting pact at the next election between Labour and Fine Gael, with each party asking its supporters to transfer to the other.