The 65th Labour Party National Conference took place in Galway on the 16th, 17th and 18th of April. The venue was the Bailey Allen Hall in Áras Na MacLéinn, NUI Galway, the conference saw over 1,500 people descend on the city over the weekend which will saw almost 150 motions debated with particular emphasis on the economy, banking crisis and jobs.

Among the key speakers were Party Leader Eamon Gilmore TD, the party President Michael D Higgins (both of whom are Galway natives) and Margaret Richie MLA, the recently elected leader of the SDLP. As with every year one of the big highlights was e Eamon’s Leader’s Speech on Saturday evening.

Other events on the weekend include workshops on an eclectic range of topics from pension reform, political reform, youth unemployment and tourism among others; as well as the election of a new Party Executive and election of Party Chairperson.

On the opening night Labour Party President Michael D. Higgins delivered a speech characterised by a clear analysis of the political challenges facing our country.

Michael D. exposed the moral bankruptcy at the heart of the neo-liberal philosophy that guides Fianna Fail economic policy. Even more importantly Michael D. argued that the Labour Party has a distinctive set of values that set us apart from the conservative politics of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael.

Michael D.’s speech reflected the optimism, confidence and determination that this party conference has at its heart. No longer are Labour prepared to settle for being in government – we are ready to lead the next government.

Saturday Morning & Afternoon

The excellent education debate on Saturday morning highlighted the Labour Party’s commitment to improving our schools. Ruairi Quinn TD spoke about the need to spend 7 per cent of GDP on education. He also launched Labour’s fifteen priorities in education. Cllr Ged Nash gave a damning critique of the slow and bureaucratic school building programme. Senator Phil Prendergast spoke about the need to tackle child obesity in schools and to put arts back on the curriculum. All together, Labour showed why we put education at the centre of our policy for economic recovery.

Motions 145-147. Saturday Afternoon

On Saturday afternoon there were motions on agriculture and fisheries. Sean Sherlock kicked off the session, under the watchful eye of our time keeper Brian O’Shea T.D. Sean and Alan Kelly MEP spoke about getting a fairer deal for the many small farmers and small producers on these shores. Alan was quick to point out the inequality in the current system and the ‘tescoisation’ of the market.

Senator Michael McCarthy concluded the session. He pointed out how successive Fianna Fail governments have ignored fisheries and practically abolished the Department. Ultimately, this is a flawed policy, our agriculture and fisheries sector is a rich natural resource that, during the boom, we failed to tap into. Both areas need to be protected and rejuvenated if we are to get back on the right track!

Saturday Afternoon

There followed a rousing speech by Margaret Ritchie MLA, Leader of the SDLP, Minister for Social Development. Among some of her more memorable quotes were the following:-

‘There has been talk of us joining with Fianna Fail and there are some in the SDLP who like such a proposition. But let me make our position clear. Merger with Fianna Fail? – not on my watch.’

‘I am not impressed with NAMA – it is simply a Rehab centre for banks. Nor do I think it was the right decision not to close, at the very least, Anglo Irish Bank. This institution is now a byword for toxicity, and its impact is not just numbers on balance sheets or deserted housing developments. Right now it could well cost thousands of peoples’ jobs in the border counties. It should not have been rescued.’

Saturday Evening

The main event, Eamonn Gilmores speech was delivered with his usual passion and forthrightness. The theme of the address was ‘One Ireland’.

‘The journey we face now won’t be easy. It is the road to economic recovery, through the challenging terrain of reform, a journey to deliver our children safely to a secure and sustainable future.

This is a journey that we must travel together. As One Ireland. Our nation is too small, and the crisis and dangers we face are too great, for solo-runs or for putting sectional interest before the common good. This is not the time for division and conflict. This is the moment when we must all pull together. Le Cheile! Fis, Forbairt is Fostaiocht!

And the Ireland we will build will be rooted in Fairness, in every strand of life and in every way we do our business.

One Ireland!

One Ireland. Of Women and men. Old and Young. Gay and straight. All equal.

One Ireland. Of Employers and employees. Farmers and business people. Private sector and public sector. Working in the home and volunteering in the community. We all make our contribution and we should all be treated fairly. Giving according to our means. Receiving according to our needs.

One Ireland. Of different nationalities, of diverse religions and of no religion. It does not matter whence we came or when we came. Ireland is our common homeland now. The land for all our children.

One Ireland. An Ireland of equals.

Two simple words. The mission of the Labour Party. The end and the means. Le chéile. One Ireland.’