Sir, - In the wake of Dick Spring's resignation as leader of the Labour Party there have been renewed calls for a merger between Labour and Democratic Left. The proposal is interesting, but maybe a more fundamental change is needed in Irish politics.
As well as a union between their parties, Labour and Democratic Left should seriously consider a three-way merger involving Fine Gael. This may sound far-fetched, but on reflection it makes perfect sense. All three parties need to face the reality of their situations which is that there is no serious difference between them any more. Labour and Democratic Left should drop the pretence of being socialists, as they both accept the "market economy" and all that comes with it, whereas nowadays Fine Gael is more Liberal Democrat than Christian Democrat. They are three liberal parties going nowhere fast. None of them will ever win power individually, only end up in unsatisfactory coalitions watching over their shoulders.
On the other hand, if they became one party, uniting the "radical centre" of Irish politics, and could develop into a progressive, dynamic movement. It would be a cohesive liberal party that could challenge Fianna Fail for the number one position with the strong possibility of winning an overall majority. The three parties continually tell us how well they worked together in the Rainbow Coalition. Whey now take it a step further and become the Rainbow Party - an exciting new political force for Ireland in the 21st century? - Yours, etc.,
Ballybane, Galway.