Loraine mulligan conference report

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Loraine Mulligan Chairperson of The Labour Party

Welcome to our 2015 National Conference.

Thank you for all your support in my role since 2013 and for re-electing me as Labour Chairperson. I will continue to facilitate inclusive and productive debate and to ensure our party deals with internal affairs in a satisfactory manner.

Since my election as Chairperson I have worked hard to harness the commitment and expertise of our members for the party’s benefit. I have constructively chaired all meetings of the Executive Board and Central Council, encompassing important decision-making and facilitating analysis and input on areas such as communications.

Last summer I chaired the hustings for the Leader and Deputy Leader elections in Dublin, Galway and Cork. This process provided a strong basis for a new phase of party renewal.

I have sought to foster links within Labour, helping to coordinate the involvement of our sections in the 2014 European elections. I advocated and chaired the first Joint Meeting of the Central Council and Councillors, with the involvement of Oireachtas members.

I have contributed to party events such as the Post-Budget Forum and discussions on the Youth Guarantee. I have conducted candidate selection conventions.

I addressed a gathering hosted by the Labour Party Irish Society during our sister party’s national conference in Manchester last year.

It has been a particular priority for me to keep in touch with members through my monthly Ezine.

I look forward to continuing my work over the next 12 months. If you have any query that I can help you with, please do not hesitate to contact me at loraine.mulligan@labour.ie

Loraine

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ELECTIONS It was a privilege to stand as Labour’s Dáil candidate in the Dublin West By-Election. I wish to thank local members and the team involved for their assistance.

While the results of the May elections were disappointing, a number of talented young councillors retained or won seats, alongside a strong core of experienced colleagues.

I was pleased to canvass for several Local, European and By-election election candidates. Denis Leonard, Senator John Kelly and Councillor Pamela Kearns represented Labour with distinction in seeking Dáil seats.

I was delighted to recently chair the first selection convention to launch Senator John Whelan’s bid to become a TD for the new Laois constituency and I look forward to supporting all our Deputies/Senators in their election campaigns. I also wish Cllr. Willie Quinn well in contesting the upcoming By-Election for Kilkenny.

As Chairperson, I want to thank all candidates for putting themselves forward, for their service, and for their continued motivation to promote the party.

MY PRIORITIES FOR THE YEAR AHEAD ■ Chairing the Executive Board and Central Council to facilitate effective General Election preparation, maximising Labour’s presence on the ground.

■ Seeking to ensure all levels of the party are equipped and mobilised to convey a strong message to the public about Labour’s focus on jobs, living standards and social recovery.

■ Continuing to promote the involvement of members in policy formation in advance of the next General Election.

■ Keeping members informed and bringing your concerns to the attention of the party leadership.

LORAINE MULLIGAN Chairperson of The Labour Party

Phone: 087 992 8605 Email: loraine.mulligan@labour.ie Twitter: @LoraineMulligan