Eamon Gilmore - "Politics in Ireland has been transformed."

Just 12 months on from our historic local and European election results Labour's campaign to transform politics in Ireland goes from strength to strength.

The old politics, dominated by the two large conservative parties, has failed our people and our society. As Labour leader I am determined to change that. I am determined that people in every town and village in Ireland have a real choice at the next election.

In the last six months we have recruited Cllr John Kelly in Roscommon South Leitrim, Dr Jerry Cowley in Mayo, Cllr Mae Sexton in Longford Westmeath and Cllr Jimmy Harte in Donegal North West. We have started the immense challenge of building up our organisation throughout the west of Ireland, so that we will credibly challenge for a seat in every constituency in the country at the next election.

More and more people are willing to roll up their sleeves and campaign for a better society. In the last year our membership has continued to grow at a remarkable rate, with 1,700 new members joining in 2009 alone.

This movement for change has been reflected in the national opinion polls. The results are heartening and show that Labour is on the right track. The tremendous efforts of the PLP, our councillors and our members throughout the country is the driving force behind the Labour surge - its vital that we keep up this momentum.

On the policy front Labour has been clear - creating jobs, promoting enterprise and giving our young people the training opportunities they deserve are vital in tackling our economic crisis. Labour's Jobs Plan which will revitalise our economy and get our people back to work is the most comprehensive proposal put forward by any Party. It includes:

• Establishing a Strategic Investment Bank that will invest in SMEs and drive Ireland's development in the green economy and the knowledge society
• Launch a range of training and work experience schemes, providing 60,000 place
• Exempt new jobs from employers' PRSI
• Promote sectors such as cleantech and tourism, where Ireland has natural competitive advantages

Labour is changing politics in Ireland. The old politics of the two and a half party system is dead. Politics in Ireland is now a three-way contest, with Labour offering people the opportunity of real change and real leadership.

The next general election must reflect the enormous change that is happening in Irish politics. It is a democratic imperative that Labour is included in any televised Leaders' Debate. Any attempt to exclude Labour from a debate about the future leadership of our country would be farcical.

In the UK general election we saw how the debates between the three leaders grabbed the attention of voters. It was good for democracy. The election campaign wasn't dominated by stage-managed, tightly controlled party events. Each leader had to face an audience and outline their policies and engage in debate. It's what election campaigns should be about.

I am adamant that Labour will be given the same opportunity to puts our ideas before the voters in any leaders' debate. Already the conservative voices in politics are raising their heckles at any such idea. It's no surprise. Together, we are changing politics in this country. It upsets the establishment and it confounds those tethered to a political system born of the civil war.

Ireland is now a different country. Labour is now ready to challenge for the leadership of this country. Politics is now a three way contest and any debates in the election campaign have to reflect that fact.