Labour Party (Ireland) facts for kids
The Labour Party (Irish: Páirtí an Lucht Oibre, meaning "Party of the Working People") is a political party in the Republic of Ireland. It is considered a centre-left party and believes in social democracy, which means it supports a fair society with a strong welfare system.
The Labour Party was started on May 28, 1912, in Clonmel, County Tipperary. It was founded by James Connolly, James Larkin, and William O'Brien. The party was created to be the political voice for workers and trade unions in Ireland. Its main goal is to represent the interests of working people in the Irish parliament, called Dáil Éireann, and in local councils.
Unlike many other Irish political parties, the Labour Party did not come from the original Sinn Féin party. However, it did join with another party called Democratic Left in 1999.
The Labour Party has been part of the government eight times since it was formed. Most of these times, it joined with Fine Gael and sometimes other smaller parties. Once, it joined with Fianna Fáil. In total, the Labour Party has been part of the government for 25 years. This is the third longest time for any party in the Republic of Ireland, after Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
Today, the Labour Party is led by Ivana Bacik. It is the fifth largest party in Dáil Éireann, with seven seats. It is also one of the largest parties in Seanad Éireann (the upper house of parliament), with four seats. The Labour Party is a member of several international groups, including the Progressive Alliance, Socialist International, and the Party of European Socialists.
Quick facts for kids
Labour Party
Páirtí an Lucht Oibre
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|---|---|
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| Leader | Ivana Bacik |
| Seanad leader | Rebecca Moynihan |
| Parliamentary Party Chairperson | Seán Sherlock |
| Chairperson | Lisa Connell |
| General Secretary | Billie Sparks |
| Founders |
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| Founded | 28 May 1912 |
| Headquarters | 2 Whitefriars, Aungier Street, Dublin |
| Youth wing | Labour Youth |
| Women's wing | Labour Women |
| LGBT wing | Labour LGBT |
| Membership (2020) | ~3,000 |
| Ideology | Social democracy Pro-Europeanism |
| Political position | Centre-left |
| European affiliation | Party of European Socialists |
| International affiliation |
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| European Parliament group | Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats |
| Colours | Red |
| Anthem | "The Red Flag" |
| Dáil Éireann |
7 / 160
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| Seanad Éireann |
4 / 60
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| Local government |
55 / 949
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| European Parliament (Irish delegation) |
1 / 14
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Contents
History of the Labour Party
How the Party Started
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The Irish Labour Party was founded on May 28, 1912. Its founders were James Connolly, James Larkin, and William O'Brien. They wanted the party to represent workers in the new Irish Parliament. This parliament was expected to be set up under the Home Rule Act of 1914.
However, the labour movement faced challenges. A major strike in Dublin in 1913, called the Dublin Lockout, weakened it. Then, James Larkin left Ireland in 1914. James Connolly was executed after the Easter Rising in 1916. These events made it harder for the party.
The Irish Citizen Army (ICA) was a group formed during the 1913 Lockout. It was linked to the labour movement. The ICA took part in the 1916 Rising. A Labour Party member, Richard O'Carroll, was killed during the Rising.
Early Years in Politics
After James Larkin left, William O'Brien became a very important figure in the main workers' union. He also had a lot of power in the Labour Party.
The Labour Party, led by Thomas Johnson from 1917, decided not to run in the 1918 and 1921 general elections. They wanted the elections to be about Ireland's independence. Because of this, the party was not in the Dáil during the fight for independence.
In the Irish Free State
The Anglo-Irish Treaty caused disagreements within the Labour Party. Some members supported those who opposed the Treaty. But William O'Brien and Thomas Johnson encouraged members to support it.
In the 1922 general election, the party won 17 seats. This was their best result ever in terms of the percentage of votes. However, they lost some support later. In the 1923 election, they won 14 seats. From 1922 to 1927, the Labour Party was the main opposition party in the Dáil. They criticized the government for not making enough social changes.
When Larkin returned to Ireland in 1923, he tried to regain his leadership role in the union, but O'Brien resisted. Larkin also started a new party. O'Brien saw Larkin as difficult to work with. Larkin was later prevented from taking his seat in the Dáil due to legal issues.
In 1932, the Labour Party supported Éamon de Valera's first Fianna Fáil government. This was because Fianna Fáil planned social changes that Labour agreed with. In the 1943 election, Labour won 17 seats, their best result since 1927.
The Labour Party and the Irish Trades Union Congress separated in 1930. Leaders like William Norton believed this separation was important. They thought it would help the party appeal to more voters beyond just trade union members.
The party was quite traditional in its social views compared to similar parties in Europe. Its leaders from 1932 to 1977 were members of a Catholic group called the Knights of Saint Columbanus. There were many debates within the party about how much to follow the Catholic Church's views.
Party Splits and First Governments
In the 1940s, disagreements within the Labour Party led to a split. Some members left and formed the National Labour Party in 1944. This split hurt the Labour movement in the 1944 election. The National Labour Party emphasized its commitment to Catholic teachings. The two parties reunited in 1950.
After the 1948 election, both Labour and National Labour joined the first "inter-party government." This was a government made up of several parties. From 1948 to 1951 and from 1954 to 1957, the Labour Party was the second largest partner in these governments. William Norton, the Labour Party leader, became Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) both times.
Labour Under Brendan Corish (1960–1977)
Brendan Corish became the new Labour leader in 1960. He wanted the party to adopt more socialist policies. He famously said, "The seventies will be socialist." This new direction was generally popular within the party.
In the 1969 general election, Labour's share of the vote improved. However, they won fewer seats than expected. This made Corish reconsider his stance against joining coalition governments.
Labour was against Ireland joining the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1972.
Between 1973 and 1977, the Labour Party formed a government with Fine Gael. They lost the 1977 election, and Corish resigned.
Late 1970s and 1980s: Challenges and Changes
After the 1977 election, some members left Labour and formed the short-lived Socialist Labour Party. From 1981 to 1987, Labour was part of coalition governments with Fine Gael. During this time, Labour ministers helped introduce social policies like a Family Income Supplement and a child care protection bill. However, voters did not reward them for these efforts.
The country faced economic problems, and the government had to make tough decisions about spending. The Labour Party was often blamed for unpopular cuts in health and other public services. In the 1987 election, Labour's vote dropped to a very low point.
The 1980s also saw strong disagreements within the party. Some members, who had more radical views, opposed Labour joining governments with the main centre-right parties. Some of these members were later expelled from the party.
1990s: Growing Influence
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The early 1990s were a time of growth for the Labour Party. In 1990, former Labour Senator Mary Robinson became the first woman President of Ireland. Her victory was seen as a big success for Labour, even though she ran as an independent. It was the first time a non-Fianna Fáil candidate was elected President since the first President.
Also in the 1990s, two smaller socialist parties joined the Labour Party.
In the 1992 general election, the Labour Party won a record number of votes. Their number of seats in the Dáil doubled to 33. This was called the "Spring Tide," named after their leader Dick Spring. In January 1993, Labour formed a government with Fianna Fáil. Dick Spring became Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs.
After less than two years, this government ended. The Labour Party then formed a new government with Fine Gael and Democratic Left. This was the first time in Irish history that a new government was formed without a general election. Dick Spring again became Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Joining with Democratic Left
In the 1997 general election, Labour lost a lot of support and half of its Dáil members. This led to Dick Spring resigning as leader.
In 1997, Ruairi Quinn became the new Labour Party leader. In 1999, the Labour Party joined with Democratic Left. They kept the name Labour Party.
Ruairi Quinn resigned in 2002 after poor election results. Pat Rabbitte, a former Democratic Left member, became the new leader. He was the first leader chosen directly by the party members.
From 2002 to 2016
Pat Rabbitte led the party from 2002 to 2007. In the 2007 general election, Labour did not increase its number of seats. Rabbitte resigned as leader, and Eamon Gilmore was elected without opposition.
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After the economic downturn in 2008, Labour's popularity grew quickly. In the 2009 local elections, they gained many new councillors. In the 2009 European Parliament election, they increased their seats from one to three.
In 2010, a poll showed the Labour Party was the most popular party in Ireland for the first time ever.
In the 2011 general election, Labour received a high percentage of votes and won 37 seats. This was the most seats they had ever won in the Dáil. On March 9, 2011, they became the junior partner in a government with Fine Gael. Eamon Gilmore became Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs.
In October 2011, the Labour Party's candidate, Michael D. Higgins, was elected as the 9th President of Ireland.
However, Labour lost seven members of parliament during this government. Some resigned or were removed from the party for voting against the government.
In May 2014, Eamon Gilmore resigned as party leader after poor results in European and local elections. On July 4, 2014, Joan Burton won the leadership election. She became the first woman to lead the Labour Party.
In the 2016 general election, Labour had its worst result ever. They received only 6.6% of votes and won just 7 seats, losing 30 seats from 2011.
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On May 20, 2016, Brendan Howlin was elected leader without opposition. He said Labour was the "oldest party in the state" and would not disappear.
2019–Present
In the 2019 local elections, Labour increased its number of local councillors to 57. However, they failed to win a seat in the European Parliament. In the February 2020 general election, the party's vote dropped to a record low of 4.4%.
After the 2020 general election, Brendan Howlin stepped down as leader. On April 3, 2020, Alan Kelly was elected party leader. In July 2021, the party gained a seventh Dáil member when Ivana Bacik won a by-election.
In March 2022, Alan Kelly suddenly resigned as leader. He was told that the party members in parliament had lost confidence in his leadership. On March 24, 2022, Ivana Bacik was confirmed as the new leader of the party without opposition.
In the 2024 European Parliament election, Labour elected its first MEP since 2009.
What the Labour Party Believes In
The Labour Party is a centre-left party. Its constitution says it is a "democratic socialist party." This means it believes in fairness, equality, and a strong social safety net for everyone. The party sees itself as a "big tent" party, meaning it includes many different types of people. These include democratic socialists, social democrats, environmentalists, progressives, feminists, and trade unionists.
The Labour Party's views have changed a lot over time. In the past, it was seen as very traditional, especially because of the strong influence of the Catholic Church in Ireland. However, from the 1980s onwards, Labour became known for supporting modern social policies. Former leader Eamon Gilmore said in 2007 that Labour helped make Ireland a more modern country.
Historically, the party's ideas were influenced by Christian values. However, Labour later became known for supporting secularism (separation of church and state) and championing social causes. These included rights for divorce and LGBT rights. The party also changed its view on Europe, moving from being against joining the European Economic Community in 1972 to being strongly pro-European today.
LGBT Rights Policies
The Labour Party has worked hard for LGBT rights. In 1993, when Labour was in government, homosexuality was made legal in Ireland. President Mary Robinson, who supported LGBT rights, signed the law.
In 1996, a Labour minister introduced a bill to stop discrimination in the workplace based on sexual orientation. This became law in 1998. Another bill in 1997 aimed to stop discrimination in services, which became law in 2000.
In 2003, Labour LGBT was formed. This was the first time a political party in Ireland created a group for LGBT members.
In 2006, Labour proposed a bill to legalize civil partnerships and adoption for same-sex couples. This bill was delayed. Labour brought it up again in 2007, but it was voted down.
At their 2010 conference, Labour supported rights for transgender people. They called for a law to recognize a person's gender.
When Labour was in government, Ireland became the first country to legalize same-sex marriage through a public vote.
Social Policies
In 2020, Labour proposed a bill for all workers to have a legal right to sick pay. They also wanted paid leave for parents whose children had to stay home from school due to COVID-19. The government delayed this bill.
Education Policies
In 2020, Labour helped extend the free school meals program through the summer.
Labour wants all primary education to be free. This would include grants for books, uniforms, and students. They also want to end different pay systems for teachers and secretaries.
Housing Policies
In 2020, Labour suggested building 80,000 social and affordable homes. They also proposed investing €16 billion in housing and freezing rents. In 2021, they called for a three-year rent freeze and a tax on empty houses. They also want to invest in student housing.
Health Policies
In their 2020 plan, Labour proposed spending an extra €1 billion per year on health. They also want to provide free doctor visits for all children under 18.
In 2021, Labour suggested that two hospitals should be taken over by the government.
Climate Policies
In their 2020 climate plan, Labour called for cutting the country's emissions in half by 2030. They also support farms moving to more environmentally friendly methods. They want to restore peatlands and bogs, ban offshore drilling, and support a fair transition to a green economy.
Cultural Policies
The party has called for promoting the Irish language. They also want to fund programs for minorities and artists.
Party Structure
The Labour Party is a membership organization. It includes local groups, trade unions, and socialist societies. Members elected to parliament form the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP).
The party's main decision-making groups are the executive board, the Labour Party Conference, and the Central Council. The executive board handles organization and money. The Central Council is responsible for creating policies. However, the leaders in parliament usually have the final say on policies. The Labour Party Conference discusses ideas from local groups and members.
For many years, Labour did not allow people from Northern Ireland to join. Instead, they supported the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) there. Now, there is a Northern Ireland Members Forum, but the party does not run in elections there.
Labour has always had strong links with trade unions. These unions send representatives to the National Conference.
Party Sections
Within the Labour Party, there are different groups for members:
- Labour Youth (for young members)
- Labour Women (for women members)
- Labour Trade Unionists
- Labour Councillors
- Labour Equality (includes groups like Labour LGBT)
- Labour Disability
Elected Representatives
Parliamentary Labour Party
The Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) includes Labour members of the Oireachtas (Irish Parliament) and the European Parliament. As of July 2021, there are 11 members in the PLP: 7 TDs (members of Dáil Éireann) and 4 Senators.
Labour Party TDs in the 33rd Dáil (2020–present)
| Name | Constituency |
|---|---|
| Ivana Bacik | Dublin Bay South |
| Alan Kelly | Tipperary |
| Brendan Howlin | Wexford |
| Ged Nash | Louth |
| Aodhán Ó Ríordáin | Dublin Bay North |
| Seán Sherlock | Cork East |
| Duncan Smith | Dublin Fingal |
Labour Party Senators in the 26th Seanad (2020–present)
| Name | Constituency |
|---|---|
| Annie Hoey | Agricultural Panel |
| Rebecca Moynihan | Administrative Panel |
| Marie Sherlock | Labour Panel |
| Mark Wall | Industrial and Commercial Panel |
Councillors
In the 2014 local elections, Labour lost many local council seats. 51 councillors were elected, which led to the resignation of the party leader, Eamon Gilmore. After the 2019 local elections, the party had 57 local representatives.
Images for kids
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James Connolly
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James "Jim" Larkin
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William O'Brien
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In 1944 James Everett led a group out of Labour. They formed a new party and later rejoined Labour in 1950.
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Logo of the Democratic Left
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Proinsias De Rossa led his group from the Workers' Party to Democratic Left, and then to Labour.
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Mary Robinson became the first woman President of Ireland, supported by the Labour Party.
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Eamon Gilmore led the Labour Party from 2007 to 2014.
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Logo of the Labour Party around 2011
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Logo of the Labour Party from 2016–2021
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Ivana Bacik has led the party since March 2022.
In Spanish: Partido Laborista (Irlanda) para niños
