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My vision

My vision is of a country with safe and secure communities, with prosperity for all and with public services we can be proud of - a fair society.

Yes, we have seen growth in this country over the last years, and while the economists can argue about GDP, I know that many people do not feel that wealth in their lives. It has not positively affected that hours-long commute, or their grocery bills or their lack of time with their families. Labour understands the concerns of the people who get up at six in the morning to travel to work and care for children. It is these concerns that drive me and my fellow Labour colleagues to change policy - so that we can tackle the problems that affect real people in Ireland.

Throughout our history, Labour has been dedicated to the proposition that hard working people are entitled to hope for a better tomorrow. It is what motivated James Connolly and Jim Larkin, and it is what drives Labour today in an entirely different Ireland.

While many people recognise the rose as the emblem of the Labour party, too few recognise the deep symbolism behind it - a symbolism that all in Labour want to make a reality. Our symbol is the rose, signifying our commitment to not only bread but roses too, the things that are essential to life, but also the things that make life worthwhile. The rose of the Labour party is a very real symbol of what I and my party want to achieve in government.

That is my vision.

If the present Government wants to throw up its hands, and say this is as good as it gets, then the Labour party will put up its hand, and say, 'yes, we can do better'. Labour will be the driving force for change. We can make tomorrow better than today. Ireland can do better.

Pat Rabbitte TD
Leader of the Labour Party