The right’s easy ride stops now

A national conversation about alternatives to the failed centre-right economic consensus is under way

Eoin O'Broin protesting outside the Dail.

Historically, the Irish left has suffered from two weaknesses – a poverty of ambition and a lack of credible alternatives. These weaknesses, more than anything else, are the reason why the south of Ireland has never had a left-wing government.

Last weekend’s conference organised by the five Right2Water trade unions – Unite, Mandate, CPSU, CWU, OPATSI – sought to address these weaknesses.

The reformist left, led by Labour and Siptu, have always set ...