Delegates at the Labour Party conference in Cork City Hall have decided not to rule out a coalition with Fianna Fáil ahead of the next election.
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Mr Ruairi Quinn addresses the Labour conference last night
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Party Leader, Mr Ruairi Quinn, had previously indicated his preference for a partnership with Fine Gael over Fianna Fáil. "I would like to see Fianna Fáil defeated. I think Fianna Fáil should in fact spend a long period in opposition," he told Cork’s 96 FM last night.
However, delegates overwhelmingly decided not to rule out the possibility of coalition with Fianna Fáil.
This position was reflected in the conference’s opening address by party president Mr Proinsias de Rossa, who urged all options to be kept open to increase the party’s bargaining power after the election.
This would ensure "maximum flexibility possible to secure the implementation of key Labour Party policy positions after the election", he argued.
It is expected, however, that a motion to definitively rule out a coalition with Fianna Fáil in advance of the election will be tabled.
Party Leader, Mr Ruairi Quinn will address the Labour conference tonight.