Ireland - Historic Election Looms

The next Irish general election must take place no later than 8 April 2016. The election will be called following the dissolution of the31st Dáil by the President, at the request of the Taoiseach. The electorate will elect the members of the 32nd Dáil who will assemble shortly afterwards to elect a Taoiseach following agreement on the Government of the 32nd Dáil.

Paddy Power the betting website are taking bets on the election date. However you can learn more here: http://irishpoliticalmaps.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/confirmed-candidates-for-next-general_3.htm

Many people in Ireland still don’t feel the economic recovery. The recovery is most pronounced in Dublin – and in certain areas of Dublin, at that. Unemployment and emigration remain sad realities in rural Ireland. And a drive through some provincial towns will reveal lots of boarded up shop fronts and a dearth of activity. Tthe last six months have seen good news on most fronts: unemployment is down, employment up, emigration has fallen, tax receipts are up, and there are tentative signs that Fine Gael and Labour are benefiting from this in the polls. 

Labour Trade Unionists have welcomed the launch of Labour’s plan for fairness and decency at work, ‘Standing Up for Working People’, which will transform the Irish workplace to ensure everyone can participate in a society where a fair income, secure employment, prospects for personal development and social integration become the norm.

Labour Trade Unionists Chairperson Yvonne O’ Callaghan said: “This Workers’ Charter launched today reaffirms Labour’s commitment to working people.  It acknowledges that employment policy must strike the right balance between the needs of business and a worker right to basic job security and a decent rate of pay.

“Labour has no interest in ‘jobs at any price’, and we will not preside over a ruthless race to the bottom or the sacrifice of employment rights that are the mark of a decent and progressive society. ‘ “In particular, Labour Trade Unionists welcome the plan’s proposals to tackling abusive terms and conditions of employment which are inflicted on the vulnerable, the low paid and those with little social protection, in particular low pay, insecure hours, and enforced bogus self-employment.  “It is vital that we build on the existing work of the Low Pay Commission to bring about a Living Wage in Ireland, while preventing the development of a permanent low-paid sector in our economy.”

Meanwhile

Labour’s launch of a workers charter - ‘Standing Up For Working People’ - the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton TD, and the Minister for Business and Employment Ged Nash TD committed to increasing Minimum Wage to €11.30 over lifetime of next Government.  

In addition, they outlined the Labour Party’s plans to continue to stand up for working people if returned to Government and end abuse of “if and when” contracts and bogus self-employment

Labour’s plan for fairness and decency at work outlines the party’s commitments to ensure that work always pays and to further promote worker protections. The plan will form a key plank of the party’s manifesto in the upcoming general election.