This will not be a lazy or carefree summer for our political class and offers an opportunity for us, the Plain People of Ireland, to grasp and transform the future. To tell them what we want. This is the chance to remake the political landscape – and the best chance to lead the 'remake' lies with Eamon Gilmore and the Labour Party. Recent events in Fine Gael confirm that whilst its members are, for the most part, very solid people, the party lacks what is needed to lead a struggle for national survival. (Having been there, done that, literally worn that faded-blue tee-shirt, I am allowed to write this.)

After the National Movement of the last century ran onto the rocks of the Treaty in December 1921, it was effectively paralysed, (at the least severely handicapped), for 40 years. The process towards offering a living to every Irish citizen – in Ireland – and simultaneously creating a pluralist and inclusive Irish society then resumed. In a fumbling manner. But it was paralleled by the implosion, under the weight of their almost absolute power, of the two main sources of moral authority (secular and spiritual) and direction within our society: Fianna Fáil and the Catholic Church.

Panicked by the polls and by what is as yet only a trend towards Labour (as a possible alternative) the two larger parties, (and other supporters of the status quo), now shriek that Labour 'has no policies'. The party's own estimate is 143.

What is far more important is that Gilmore and his party identify themselves clearly in the public eye, (and particularly in the eyes and hearts of the young), with a genuine reappraisal of how we have used 'independence'. Identify Labour with a resumption of that stalled National Movement. Not the empty flag-waving 1848 Ballingarry cabbage-patch variety which proved catastrophic throughout Europe during the ensuing hundred years. But a more pragmatic, socially-inclusive, community-conscious version which combines an understanding of global economic and technological realities with a determination to vindicate our right to be ourselves. Our duty to include and cherish all the children of the nation equally.

This is not the time for Labour to play it safe and sell fudge. Our Irish people may have 'done silly' (and selfish) from time to time, particularly in the recent past, but ultimately Mother Ireland 'did not raise no stupid children', (or only a few). We all know that one day we will have to face reality. If Gilmore can play to his strength, (telling it as it is), one day (the sooner the better) we will give him his chance to lead us through.

Maurice O'Connell,

Fenit Without, Fenit,

Tralee, Co Kerry.