We've announced our Spokespeople

Posted on June 08, 2016

Today our Party Leader Brendan Howlin announced our spokespeople line up on Kildare Street.

In the Dáil, in the Seanad, and in society at large, they will lead the work of rebuilding our party. And fighting for progressive change in Ireland. The group of 19 spokespersons announced today will begin this important work working with our 50 councillors.

Our councillors and spokespersons, along with members across the length and breadth of the country will begin working to revive a radical policy agenda for the Labour Party;

Brendan Howlin TD

• Labour Party Leader
• Spokesperson on Justice and Northern Ireland

Joan Burton TD

• Spokesperson on the Arts
• Spokesperson on Education and Skills
• Spokesperson on Finance

Alan Kelly TD

• Spokesperson on Health
• Spokesperson on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Jan O’Sullivan TD

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Labour's workers' rights motion is the first defeat for Government

Posted on June 02, 2016

Last night, the Dáil supported the Labour Party’s motion and said #Yes4WorkersRights. This marks the first loss for the new FG/Independent Government and the first time a Government has lost a Private Members' Motion since 1989.

We were delighted to be joined in the Dáil Gallery last night by Clerys' workers, trade unionists and Labour members old and new to see the Dáil back improving working conditions for people by introducing a living wage, tackling zero hour contracts and delivering stronger rights and protections for employees in the workplace.

The passing of our motion has shown New Politics and Labour's constructive opposition at work. We've only just begun - get involved today.

The Labour Leader Brendan Howlin TD introducing Labour's workers' rights motion to the House

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When will the Government #EndZeroHours?

Posted on May 31, 2016

Today during Leaders' Questions our Party Leader Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach when the Government plan to legislate for the recommendations of the University of Limerick Report on Zero Hour Contracts. 

Deputy Howlin pointed out to the Taoiseach that there is only 2 paragraphs on workers' rights in the Programme for Governemnt which is miniscule compated to other topics - and that workers' rights were in danger of being the first area seriously damaged by this Governmet.

Is it the Government's intention to legislate the proposals on Zero Hr Contracts that was advanced by @geraldnash ?-Brendan Howlin #Dáil

— The Labour Party (@labour) May 31, 2016

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Is Your Local TD Voting #Yes4WorkersRights?

Posted on May 31, 2016

Today we launched our motion calling on the Government to stand up for working people and ensure that employees secure a fair share of growing national prosperity.

Enhancing workers rights is at heart of Labour's agendas https://t.co/qX4EMhXTzY #Yes4WorkersRights pic.twitter.com/6Wwout2cTW

— The Labour Party (@labour) May 31, 2016

In this time of "new politics" we are looking for cross-party support in the Dáil to support workers' rights. Have you contacted your local TD to see if they are saying #Yes4WorkersRights?

We've drafted an email for you to send to your local TD, which you can find below. Your local TD can be contacted on [email protected] e.g. [email protected]

Email for your local TD:

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This week we are voting #Yes4WorkersRights

Posted on May 30, 2016

Tomorrow we will table our first private members motion of the new Dáil term.

Our motion will improve working conditions for people by introducing a living wage, tackling zero hour contracts and delivering stronger rights and protections for employees in the workplace.

Is your local TD supporting our motion on workers' rights this week in the #Dáil ? Contact them to find out https://t.co/mhzAxWL6FD

— The Labour Party (@labour) May 30, 2016

 The Labour Party was born out of the trade union movement and we have a long history of standing up for working people.

In government we resisted domestic and international pressure and increased the minimum wage twice and introduced collective bargaining to strengthen the ability of workers to negotiate with employers over pay and conditions.

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My first week as Labour leader has been great.- Brendan Howlin on Sunday with Miriam

Posted on May 30, 2016

Brendan Howlin was on Sunday with Miriam yesterday. You can listen back by clicking here .

Brendan spoke to Miriam about his Wexford childhood and the life-long influence his late father has had on his political career.

I grew up in a house that was filled with talk of politics- Brendan Howlin tells @MiriamOCal of life growing up in Wexford.

— The Labour Party (@labour) May 29, 2016

 Brendan spoke to Miriam about the buzz that the Wexford Opera and Light Opera Festivals bring to Wexford and while the current Government has neglected the Arts community - Labour in opposition will be vocal on the side of the art's community.

Good to hear Brendan Howlin @labour enthusing about opera and @wexfordopera on @MiriamOCal @RTERadio1 #Arts

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Offering our solidarity with the people of Inner City Dublin

Posted on May 25, 2016

Today during Leaders' Questions our Party Leader, Brendan Howlin TD offered his and the Labour Party's full solidarity and support to the people of Inner City Dublin who are under siege because of criminal activity in the area.

Deputy Howlin said it was important that the Dáil and every Member in it not only stands with the people in the Inner City but is determined to solve the problems they face. 

Deputy Howlin called on the Taoiseach to set up a a multi-agency task force to combat the rise of gangland crime in Dublin’s North Inner City - which the Taoiseach responded positively too and assured Deputy Howlin that all sides of the House will have input into the terms of reference.

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Will the Lansdowne & Haddington Road agreements will be carried out in full - Howlin asks the Taoiseach

Posted on May 24, 2016

During Leaders' Questions today the Labour Leader Brendan Howlin asked the Taoiseach if the Lansdowne Road and Haddington Road agreements will be carried out in full.

Deputy Howlin said: "As our economy is improving we can see a fall in unemployment and we can see grave concerns rising within our public services.

"So could I ask if the Lansdowne and Haddington Road agreements will be fully implemented both in terms of in pay restoration but also in the time frame set out in those agreements."

You can watch the full exchange from the video.

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#MarRefMemories - One Year on from #MarRef

Posted on May 23, 2016

 This time last year you said Yes to equality but the fight is not over yet. Join us as we continue to work for a more equal Ireland for all -You can get involved here, Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and see what we are up to on Instagram 

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Brendan Howlin elected 12th Labour Party Leader

Posted on May 20, 2016

Today, Brendan Howlin was elected the 12 ^th Leader of the Labour Party.

Speaking at the announcement of his Leadership, Brendan Howlin thanked his parliamentary colleagues fot their support and spoke about what Labour has to offer for the Irish people.

Deputy Howlin said: "Labour doesn't offer theatrics. We offer real change. This is uniquely Labour’s space. Democracy is predicated on a contract with the people. And that contract is based on improving people’s standard of living and quality of life."

 You can watch Brendan's full speech below and read what he said from our media centre. 

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