Have your say on developing new Labour policies - The Labour Party
The result was that we managed to increase the number of Labour TDs in the Dail and also returned two Senators. Labour presented an ambitious and inclusive vision for our country, elaborated in detail through our party Manifesto (insert link). Crucially, Labour stressed the necessity of an active State to deal with the biggest issues facing our society such as housing and climate change.
The party’s Policy and Research Unit played an important role in shaping Labour’s Manifesto. There were discussions, debate, proposals on a wide range of issues, including workers’ rights, children’s rights, healthcare, disability, the cost of living and defence. Not every single idea was accepted but members had an opportunity to make their case and most suggestions were taken on board.
It is essential for the voice of ordinary members to be heard in policy-formation and the Policy and Research Unit provides a channel for this to happen. There are other avenues too, for example, through our public representatives and our individual sections. The Policy and Research Unit can help support and develop policy ideas drawn from the activities of our membership. Party members are involved in grass-roots campaigns and initiatives at local level relating to policy issues and/or they may have professional experience that they want to share. Now is the time to come forward.
The Policy and Research Unit is currently developing a work programme for the new Dail term. Although the Manifesto process is complete, we cannot rest on our laurels. Labour must continue to elaborate policy positions on the issues and challenges that are emerging, for example, the threat of tariffs. We want members to propose policy areas that the Unit should consider working on. We would also like members to identify and agree to participate in working groups on specific policy topics that they think require attention. It would also be valuable for members with particular expertise in different fields to become involved.
Please email [email protected] and the Political Director, Cathal McCann, [email protected] with your thoughts and ideas and we will follow up.
Many thanks.
Yours sincerely,
Loraine Mulligan
Chairperson of the Policy and Research Unit