Labour set for radical overhaul to win back lost voters
A Labour blueprint for change is in the works to give it a makeover for the 21st century -- but the the party will retain its name and familiar red rose logo.
The most widely-canvassed survey into the workings of the party and the feelings of its members was commissioned after Labour yet again failed to make headway at the last general election. At the time there were even suggestions that the party name smacked of an outdated ideology and should be changed.
A draft of the report is already in circulation and a further drafting session is imminent. The author is Greg Sparks of accountancy firm Farrell Grant Sparks.
Sources report that the recommendations in the document, to be presented to a special delegate conference in November, are radical.
A series or reforms and rule changes will be aimed at making Labour more supple in its approach to a variety of subjects, while strengthening the power of the party leadership.
One of the key areas being studied is the staffing of the party and how its organisation operates. The post of general secretary has been examined, while changes are understood to be in the pipeline as to how the National Executive Council (NEC) is structured.
There could be controversy in the recommendations that dwell on the thorny subject of Labour's relationship with the trade unions. And there is expected to be a new drive to clear the way for the emergence of new talent within the party, which has the oldest age profile of any party for its TDs in the Dail.
"There will be more competition in terms of contesting elections," said a senior frontbencher last night.
There will also be much content about the need to improve Labour's message and to deliver it to key population segments.
Support
The party wants to win back working-class votes that have ebbed away to Sinn Fein and Fianna Fail, while winning new middle-class support that currently goes to the traditional FF/FG bloc.
A senior Labour party source warned last night that the final version of the report was likely to be "very different" from its current nature.
The consultation process has taken about six months and involved the study of all aspects of Labour, from party philosophy and ideology to its policy basket.
It is understood it recommends that the party carry out a lot more polling, with the use of focus groups on a regular basis.
"It is about giving the party a makeover for the 21st Century," said another prominent party source.
"The party particularly wants to identify with people who work, whether middle class or on relatively low wages."
- Senan Molony Deputy Political Editor
