The Progressive Democrats Party adopted the slogan: " A New Deal, 1997-2002", as an earnest of its commitment to political reform and to becoming a vital force in the next government, at its annual conference in Bunratty during the weekend. But there was little evidence of radical new thinking in the policies debated. They represnted, in great part, a reworking of the core messages of tax reform and fiscal rectitude on which the party was founded in 1985, coupled with a fairly basic "let's get tough on crime" approach. The party's commitment to education reform, however, as an integral element of economic development, was refreshing. It envisaged increased investment at preschool and primary school levels as a response to growing social exclusion and crime.
Party conferences have become social events to a large extent in recent years. And the Progressive Democrats' conference was no exception. Apart from the capacity audience on the occasion of Ms Mary Harney's address as party leader, debates on policy matters drew fewer than 300 listeners. But the format did not encourage maximum delegate participation, as most of the available time was absorbed by invited speakers, members of the parliamentary party and by candidates chosen for the general election. The work had already been done. The policies were in place.
Three years ago, in October, 1993, Mary Harney became the first woman leader of a parliamentary, party in this State. In order to provide the party with a sharper image, she promised to lead "a crusade of self reliance" aimed at reducing the influence of government. Last year, she unveiled the building blocks of the party's general election campaign. Tax reform issues dominated and reductions in income tax, PRSI, corporation and capital gains taxes were all outlined. Since then, proposals for the reform of Government and State agencies and the control of spending have been published, along with a major programme of privatisation for commercial State companies. Last Saturday, she promised special tax relief for the over 65s who had saved during their working lives. There would be, she said, "a substantial reduction in the tax burden on pension income". She also promised special support for the family under the income tax and welfare systems.
With a general election likely to take place within the next nine months, the party has positioned itself to appeal to the "can do" element in society; to the business sector which clamours for a reduction in taxation and State regulation; to middle class city dwellers smarting under the residential property tax and to taxpayers caught in the PAYE net. In order to reduce unemployment levels, school leavers signing on the dole for the first time would be obliged to work for their money. As for the long term unemployed, she stated: "the taxpayer has no duty to pay anything to able bodied people who are perfectly capable of working but are not prepared to do so.
Ms Harney is a skilled politician. Her vision of the future emphasised the value of respect. Ireland had to rediscover the old values that had served us well: respect of children for parents; pupils for teachers; citizens for the Garda and people for the politicians. She wanted a society where criminals were punished and law abiding people protected; where workers were rewarded for their efforts, not hammered by the taxman and where the State cherished all the children equally. As an electioneering message, its power lay in its old fashioned comfort, with overtones of personal, gain. It's not much of a new deal.