ON BEING elected leader of the Labour Party, Eamon Gilmore set himself the task of providing vision, direction and a new image for an organisation that failed, in two general elections, to stimulate voters. It was a challenging agenda. A commission was established to advise on policy formation, candidate selection and the reform of traditional structures.
Reducing the voting power and influence of the trade union movement within the Labour Party has been the aim of successive leaders. Now, it looks as if Mr Gilmore may break free from what has been a suffocating embrace, following a decision by the national executive to limit trade union voting rights to the number of members that are affiliated to the Labour Party. Any change will have to be endorsed by a party conference in March.
Historically, the Labour Party and the trade union movement were viewed as different sides of the same coin. Individual trade unions were granted voting rights on the basis of their overall membership. In return, financial contributions were made to the Labour Party. Over the years, however, the bulk of trade union membership drifted towards Fianna Fáil and the level of contributions dwindled. Difficulties arose when trade union leaders publicly attacked the parliamentary Labour Party for policies it pursued in government with Fine Gael. At the same time, because of their voting strength, they exercised a near-veto on Labour policies that might affect their interests.
Reform of British Labour Party structures, which greatly reduced union influence, gave impetus to change. But it was successfully resisted here for some years. Now it looks as if greater freedom of action will be extended to the parliamentary party and its leader. Trade unions, in turn, will be encouraged to examine ways in which membership of the Labour Party can be promoted within their organisations. Mr Gilmore will be granted greater control over head office, under the proposed reforms. But the power to select candidates will remain at local level, in spite of past difficulties with “squatting” TDs. In that regard, a reduction in the number of “paper branches” is long overdue.
The traditional Labour Party image, involving comrades, cloth caps and a negative attitude to wealth needs refurbishment. But values of solidarity and social equity have not gone out of date. People facing unemployment and poverty have no interest in party reforms. If Mr Gilmore is to gain their support, he will have to develop an attractive economic and social agenda.