The Labour Party must "energetically" rebuild its organisation if it is to hold Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats to account during 2003, the Labour leader, Mr Pat Rabbitte has declared in a New Year message to supporters.
"In the Dáil and outside, Labour can and must harry the Government, expose its increasingly right-wing disposition and start to formulate the basis of a credible alternative policy platform," he declared.
Insisting that the majority of those who did not vote in May's general election are part of Labour's "natural constituency", Mr Rabbitte went on: "I am more convinced than ever that a majority of our people think Labour, but don't vote Labour."
Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats have "calculated" - like Margaret Thatcher during the 1980s - that "they can win elections without these people", who believe they are ignored by politicians and live in "poor or desperate" conditions. "Morally, or politically, Labour cannot afford to write off these people."
The Labour leader said all parties must respond to the "conditions and challenges" facing a new generation of Irish people.
"Gone is the culture of victimhood and the propensity to blame the colonial oppressor; our failings, like our achievements, are now our own."
In the future, the country's taxation base must be broadened and made fairer, he said: "We need to borrow, if necessary, to accelerate infrastructural development and to exploit and develop our communications potential. Employers must assist in the implementation of childcare provision that addresses the reality facing working parents. Each and every institution and agency of the State, including the Garda Síochána, must be made accountable and be seen to be accountable."
