Labour Party (Ireland) facts for kids
The Labour Party (in Irish, Páirtí an Lucht Oibre, meaning "Party of the Working People") is a political party in the Republic of Ireland. It is known for its centre-left and social-democratic ideas. This means they generally support policies that help workers, improve social welfare, and promote equality.
The party was started on 28 May 1912 in Clonmel, County Tipperary. It was founded by James Connolly, James Larkin, and William O'Brien. They created it as the political part of the Irish Trades Union Congress, aiming to represent the interests of working people. The Labour Party sees itself as a "democratic socialist party."
The Labour Party is still closely linked to trade unions and the wider labour movement in Ireland. It works to speak up for workers in the Dáil (the Irish Parliament) and at a local level. Unlike many other Irish political parties, Labour 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 formed a government with Fianna Fáil. This means Labour has been in government for a total of twenty-five years, which is the third-longest time for any party in the Republic of Ireland.
Today, the party is led by Ivana Bacik. It is the fifth-largest party in the Dáil Éireann, with seven seats. It also has four seats in the Seanad Éireann (the upper house of the Irish Parliament). The Labour Party is part of international groups like the Progressive Alliance, Socialist International, and the Party of European Socialists.
Contents
How the Labour Party Started
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Founding the Party in 1912
James Connolly, James Larkin, and William O'Brien started the Irish Labour Party on 28 May 1912. They met in Clonmel Town Hall. Their goal was to create a political voice for workers in the new Dublin Parliament that was expected under the Home Rule Act.
However, the labour movement faced challenges. After the Dublin Lockout of 1913, trade unions became weaker. Then, James Larkin left Ireland in 1914, and James Connolly was executed after the Easter Rising in 1916. These events made things even harder for the new party.
The Irish Citizen Army (ICA) was a group formed during the 1913 Lockout to protect workers. It was informally linked to the Labour Movement. The ICA took part in the 1916 Easter Rising. A Labour Party member of Dublin Corporation, Richard O'Carroll, was the only elected official killed during the Rising.
Early Years and Challenges
After James Larkin left, William O'Brien became a very important figure in the main workers' union, the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union (ITGWU), and also in the Labour Party.
The Labour Party, led by Thomas Johnson from 1917, decided not to take part in the 1918 general election. They wanted the election to be a clear vote on Ireland's independence. They also didn't run in the 1921 elections. This meant the party was not in the Dáil during the important years of Ireland's fight for independence.
Labour in the Irish Free State
The Anglo-Irish Treaty caused disagreements within the Labour Party. Some members supported those who opposed the Treaty in the Irish Civil War. However, O'Brien and Johnson encouraged members to support the Treaty.
In the 1922 election, Labour won 17 seats, which was a strong start. They got 21.4% of the votes, which is still their highest share ever. From 1922 until 1927, Labour was the main opposition party in the Dáil. They criticized the government for not making enough social changes.
In 1932, the Labour Party supported Éamon de Valera's first Fianna Fáil government. This was because Fianna Fáil planned social reforms that Labour agreed with. In the 1943 election, Labour won 17 seats, their best result since 1927.
The Irish Labour Party and the Irish Trades Union Congress officially separated in 1930. This was done to help the party appeal to more voters beyond just trade union members.
Split and First Coalition Governments
In the 1940s, internal arguments and claims of communist influence caused a split in the Labour Party. In 1944, William X. O'Brien left with six members of parliament (TDs) and started the National Labour Party. This split hurt the Labour movement in the 1944 election. The two Labour groups reunited in 1950.
After the 1948 election, the Labour Party became the second-largest partner in two "inter-party" governments (1948–1951 and 1954–1957). The leader of the Labour Party, William Norton, became Tánaiste (deputy prime minister) both times.
Labour's Journey Through the Years
Under Brendan Corish (1960–1977)
Brendan Corish became the new Labour leader in 1960. He wanted the party to adopt more socialist policies, focusing on social justice. He famously declared in 1967 that "The seventies will be socialist." This new direction was popular within the party, especially after good election results in 1965 and 1967.
In the 1969 Irish general election, Labour's share of the vote improved, but they won fewer seats. This made Corish rethink his stance against forming coalition governments.
From 1973 to 1977, the Labour Party formed a coalition government with Fine Gael. After losing the 1977 election, Corish resigned.
Late 1970s and 1980s: Ups and Downs
From 1981 to 1982 and again from 1982 to 1987, the Labour Party was part of coalition governments with Fine Gael. During these times, Labour ministers helped introduce important social policies, such as a Family Income Supplement and a Maternity Benefit. However, the country faced economic problems, and Labour was blamed for unpopular spending cuts.
The 1987 Irish general election was a tough time for Labour, as they received only 6.4% of the vote. The 1980s also saw strong disagreements within the party, leading to some members being expelled in 1989.
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. Although she ran as an independent, her victory was seen as a great success for Labour.
In the 1992 Irish general election, the Labour Party won a record 19.3% of the votes, doubling their seats to 33. This was called the "Spring Tide" after their popular leader, Dick Spring. Labour then formed a coalition government with Fianna Fáil in January 1993. Dick Spring became Tánaiste (deputy prime minister) and Minister for Foreign Affairs.
After less than two years, this government ended. Labour then formed a new coalition with Fine Gael and Democratic Left from 1994 to 1997. Dick Spring again served as Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Joining with Democratic Left
In the 1997 Irish general election, Labour lost a lot of support and half of its TDs. This led to Dick Spring's resignation as leader.
In 1997, Ruairi Quinn became the new Labour Party leader. In 1999, the Labour Party merged with Democratic Left, keeping the Labour Party name.
After poor results in the 2002 Irish general election, Quinn resigned. Pat Rabbitte became the new leader, chosen directly by the party members for the first time.
From 2007 to 2016
Rise and Government Role
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After the economic downturn in 2008, Labour's popularity grew quickly. In the 2009 Irish local elections and European Parliament election, Labour gained many new councillors and increased its European Parliament seats from one to three.
In June 2010, a poll showed the Labour Party as the most popular party in Ireland for the first time ever, with 32% support.
In the 2011 Irish general election, Labour received 19.5% of votes and won 37 seats. This was their highest number of seats ever. On 9 March 2011, Labour became the junior partner in a coalition government with Fine Gael. Eamon Gilmore was appointed Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.
In October 2011, Labour's candidate, Michael D. Higgins, was elected as the 9th President of Ireland.
Challenges in Government
During their time in government, Labour lost some members. Some resigned or lost the party whip for voting against government policies.
On 26 May 2014, Eamon Gilmore resigned as party leader after Labour's poor results in the European and local elections. On 4 July 2014, Joan Burton won the leadership election, becoming the first woman to lead the Labour Party.
In the 2016 Irish general election, Labour had a very poor result, getting only 6.6% of votes and 7 seats. This was their worst general election performance ever.
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On 20 May 2016, Brendan Howlin was elected leader without opposition. He stated that he was ready to bring Labour back into government.
2019–Present
In the 2019 Irish local elections, Labour increased their number of local councillors to 57. However, they did not win any seats in the European Parliament election.
In the 2020 Irish general election, the party's vote dropped to a record low of 4.4%. After this, Brendan Howlin announced he would step down as leader. On 3 April 2020, Alan Kelly was elected as the new party leader.
In July 2021, the party gained a seventh TD in the Dáil when Ivana Bacik won the 2021 Dublin Bay South by-election. In March 2022, Alan Kelly suddenly resigned as leader. On 24 March 2022, Ivana Bacik was confirmed as the new leader of the party.
In the 2024 European Parliament election, Labour elected its first MEP since 2009, with Aodhán Ó Ríordáin winning a seat in Dublin.
What Labour Believes In
The Labour Party is considered a centre-left party. Its constitution describes it as a "movement of democratic socialists, social democrats, environmentalists, progressives, feminists (and) trade unionists." It is sometimes called a "big tent" party because it includes many different types of people and ideas.
Over time, Labour's views have changed. In the past, it was seen as very conservative compared to similar parties in Europe, partly due to the strong influence of the Catholic Church in Ireland. However, from the 1980s onwards, Labour became known for supporting socially liberal policies. For example, they championed changes related to divorce and equal rights for LGBT people. Former leader Eamon Gilmore said in 2007 that Labour "drove the modernisation of the Irish state."
The party's traditional symbol, the 'Starry Plough,' has roots in Christian tradition. While Labour once supported policies influenced by the Catholic Church, it later became associated with increasing secularism and promoting modern social causes. The Labour Party also changed its view on Europe, moving from being against joining the European Economic Community in 1972 to being strongly pro-European today.
Policies on Equality and Rights
The Labour Party has been very active in campaigns for LGBT rights. They were in government in 1993 when laws were changed to make certain acts no longer illegal. President Mary Robinson, who supported equal rights, signed this bill into law.
In 1996, Mervyn Taylor introduced a bill that became law in 1998. This law made it illegal to treat people unfairly in the workplace because of their sexual orientation. Another bill in 1997, which became law in 2000, made it illegal to discriminate when providing goods and services.
In 2003, Labour LGBT was formed. This was the first time a political party in Ireland created a group specifically for LGBT members.
In 2006, Labour TD Brendan Howlin proposed a bill to allow civil partnerships and adoption for same-sex couples. Although this bill faced delays, Labour continued to push for these changes.
During their time in government, Ireland became the first country to make same-sex marriage legal through a public vote.
Social Policies
In 2020, Labour TD Alan Kelly supported a bill to give all workers a legal right to sick pay. This bill also included paid leave for parents whose children had to stay home from school due to COVID-19.
Education Policies
In 2020, Labour TD Aodhán Ó Ríordáin successfully campaigned to extend Ireland's free school meals program through the summer.
Labour has also called for all primary education to be free. They propose grants for books, uniforms, and students, and ending 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 into 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 and stop student housing from being used for short-term rentals.
Health Policies
In their 2020 plan, Labour proposed spending an extra €1 billion each year on health. They also want to provide free GP (doctor) care for everyone under 18.
In 2021, Labour suggested that two hospitals should be taken over by the state – one in Dublin and one in Galway or Cork.
Climate Policies
In their 2020 climate plan, the party called for cutting the country's emissions by half by 2030. They also support farms moving to more environmentally friendly methods, restoring peatlands and bogs, banning offshore drilling, and ensuring a just transition for workers in industries affected by climate change.
Cultural Policies
The Labour Party has called for a campaign to encourage the use of the Irish language. They also want to fund programs for minority and marginalized communities and create a fund for artists.
Historical Records
The Labour Party gave its historical records to the National Library of Ireland in 2012. You can find these records using the call number: MS 49,494. The records of Democratic Left were also given to the library, under call number: MS 49,807.
How the Party is Organized
The Labour Party is a membership organization. It includes local Labour groups, trade unions, and socialist societies that are linked to the party. Members who are elected to parliament (Dáil, Seanad, European Parliament) form the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP).
The party's main decision-making groups at a national level include 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, though the parliamentary leaders usually have the final say. The Labour Party Conference discusses ideas put forward by local branches and members.
For many years, Labour did not allow people living in Northern Ireland to become members. Instead, they supported the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) there. Now, there is a Northern Ireland Members Forum, but the party has not agreed to run in elections there.
Labour has always had strong ties with trade unions. These links have changed over time, but unions still send representatives to the National Conference.
Different Groups Within Labour
Within the Labour Party, there are several special groups:
- Labour Youth: For young members.
- Labour Women: For women members.
- Labour Trade Unionists: For members who are also part of trade unions.
- Labour Councillors: For members elected to local councils.
- Labour Equality: This group includes others like Labour LGBT, focusing on equal rights.
- Labour Disability: For members interested in disability rights.
Groups Linked to Labour
The Irish Labour Party's rules allow both Trade Unions and Socialist Societies to be linked to the party. Currently, seven Trade Unions are linked:
- Munster & District Graphical Society
- Fórsa (Municipal Employees Division)
- National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT)
- General, Municipal and Boilermakers' Union (GMB)
- Services, Industrial, Professional and Technical Union (SIPTU)
- Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union (BFWAU)
- Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA)
Socialist Societies linked to the Party:
- Labour Party Lawyers Group
- Association of Labour Teachers
- Labour Social Services Group
Party Leaders
Here are the leaders of the Labour Party and when they served as Tánaiste (deputy prime minister):
| Name | Portrait | Period | Constituency | Years as Tánaiste (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas Johnson |
|
1917–1927 | Dublin County | |
| Thomas J. O'Connell |
|
1927–1932 | Mayo South | |
| William Norton |
|
1932–1960 | Kildare | 1948–1951; 1954–1957 |
| Brendan Corish |
|
1960–1977 | Wexford | 1973–1977 |
| Frank Cluskey |
|
1977–1981 | Dublin South-Central | |
| Michael O'Leary |
|
1981–1982 | Dublin North-Central | 1981–Feb. 1982 |
| Dick Spring |
|
1982–1997 | Kerry North | Nov. 1982–1987; 1992–1997 |
| Ruairi Quinn |
|
1997–2002 | Dublin South-East | |
| Pat Rabbitte |
|
2002–2007 | Dublin South-West | |
| Eamon Gilmore |
|
2007–2014 | Dún Laoghaire | 2011–2014 |
| Joan Burton |
|
2014–2016 | Dublin West | 2014–2016 |
| Brendan Howlin |
|
2016–2020 | Wexford | |
| Alan Kelly |
|
2020–2022 | Tipperary | |
| Ivana Bacik |
|
2022–present | Dublin Bay South |
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Elected Members
Parliamentary Labour Party
The Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) includes all Labour members elected to the Oireachtas (Irish Parliament) and the European Parliament. As of July 2021, there are 11 members in the PLP: 7 TDs (members of the Dáil) 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 |
Local Councillors
In the 2014 Irish local elections, Labour lost many local council seats. This led to the resignation of the party leader, Eamon Gilmore. After the 2019 Irish local elections, the party had 57 local representatives.
See also
In Spanish: Partido Laborista (Irlanda) para niños
- History of the Labour Party (Ireland)
- Democratic Left (Ireland)
- Social Democratic and Labour Party (Northern Ireland)
