Keaveney looks set to re-join Labour

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Written by Avril Horan

Wednesday, 29 August 2007

Independent County Councillor Colm Keaveney looks set to re-join the Labour Party now that Pat Rabbitte has stepped down as party leader.

Cllr Keaveney was very vocal in his criticism of the former Labour leader and resigned from the party due primarily to “irreconcilable differences” with Deputy Rabbitte. The way is now open for Cllr Keaveney to return to the party if he chooses to do so.

Speaking to the Galway Independent earlier this month following his resignation from the Labour party, Cllr Keaveney laid the blame firmly on the shoulders of the party leader.

“I look forward to carrying out the left wing socialist values lost in Pat Rabbitte’s administration. I have a problem with him. He is too busy trying to be Bertie. The Labour Party doesn’t know what they stand for anymore. If Pat Rabbitte wants to join Fianna Fáil then that’s what he should do.”

He also said he hoped his resignation from the party would not be a “forever” situation.

“While I still strongly associate with the core values of the Labour Party and what it should be, outside of Michael D Higgins, the party has no commitment to the development of Labour politics in rural Ireland. My intention is that my resignation may not be a forever situation,” he said at the time.

This week, Cllr Keaveney remained tight-lipped on when he will re-join the party ranks. Despite being “outside the party”, he said he is fully supportive of Caltra native, Éamon Gilmore, taking over the reigns in place of Pat Rabbitte. He said Gilmore is “in touch with rural Ireland”.

However, Labour party President and Galway West Deputy, Michael D Higgins, paid tribute to Pat Rabbitte, following the announcement that he has stood down as leader.

“Pat was one of the outstanding parliamentarians of his generation with an unequalled ability to master detail and articulate the views of Labour members on supporters on virtually every issue.

“Pat could have filled any position in government with distinction. His period as leader of the Labour Party saw a real reinvigoration of the party. His personal and political commitment was immense, typified by the huge effort he put into the leader’s tour in the run up to the general election. I hope that he will continue to play a key role in the Labour Party for many years to come,” said Deputy Higgins.

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