I firmly believe that the left in Ireland must seize this opportunity to reform Irish politics. This opportunity arises specifically from the people's endorsement of the democratic settlement of the Northern Ireland conflict.
- Democratic Left leader Mr Proinsias De Rossa
The excuses which were always given for the weakness of the Left in Ireland no longer apply. This is no longer a backward conservative country where political thought and ideology are directed from the pulpit.
- Mr Eamon Gilmore, Dun Laoghaire TD
There are some good people working in the Church and we don't need to make enemies. There are those who say there is no use being a cute hoor but it is better than being a stupid hoor, and we should take a leaf out of Fianna Fail's book.
- Mr Mick Billane, South Dublin County Council
It is a move too far for me. The thing that is missing is passion.
- Ms Patricia Condron, Maynooth
The people whom we want to influence see this as a cynical idea. We have failed to communicate.
- Mr Hugh McConville
Democratic Left started to atrophy not so long after its birth.
- Mr Dermot Quigley, Bray
Labour draws strength from its long association with the trade union movement. Democratic Left draws on the progressive stream of Irish republicanism and our experience has been forged, under different names, in a sometimes bitter struggle. That chapter is now closing.
- Cllr Joe Sherlock, Cork East
Our intention is to become the major political party in Ireland and to lead Government - Mr Gilmore
Our aim is to shatter the old-style patronage and corruption that has been the hallmark of conservative politics in Ireland . . . Now for the first time, we are presented with a realistic opportunity to truly empower people and communities to have charge over their lives. - Ms Liz McManus, Wicklow TD
I am not afraid of the label of socialist. It is not the label that makes a difference but what we do.
- Mr Des Geraghty
This new party is not going to lead to a left government, which is a completely fanciful notion . . . The Labour Party is not going to be changed by the introduction of a few Democratic Left TDs.
- Mr Brian Kenny