Labour is to hold a post-mortem on the general election at an all-day meeting of its parliamentary party next week.
The party chairman, Mr Willie Penrose, TD for Westmeath, said last night that there would be a full and frank discussion on the party's performance at the meeting on Wednesday. "We will examine our policies, how we relate to people, our failings and whatever. We are still a significant party with 21 deputies."
The decision to hold the one-day meeting was taken by the party's TDs and senators when they met in Leinster House yesterday. Describing the mood within the parliamentary party as "sombre", Mr Penrose added: "There is an air of disappointment. We put the focus on significant issues, such as health and tax relief for the lower paid, during the campaign. Now we find that Fianna Fáil and the PDs have some of our proposals as part of their Programme for Government.
"There is an air of resilience within the party as well. We are the oldest party in the State. We know where we can regain Dáil seats, and we intend to give a lead on the Opposition benches."
Yesterday's meeting was to plan strategy for the new Dáil term. Mr Penrose confirmed the party would be nominating its leader, Mr Ruairí Quinn, for Taoiseach.
