The new Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore provided some necessary vision and direction for a party that was beginning to flounder at its conference in Wexford at the weekend. Delegates had voted to establish a commission to examine all areas of activity in the aftermath of a disappointing general election. And there was a danger that political drift and uncertainty might take hold before Mr Gilmore identified universal healthcare, free education and support for business and enterprise as necessary components in the creation of a progressive and fair society.
By listing his priorities at this time - and particularly a proposal that tax incentives should be switched from property development to business start-ups - Mr Gilmore has made it plain he will be advised, rather than led, by the new commission. That could prove to be an important signal, given his low profile with the public.
Making himself better known is Mr Gilmore's most immediate task. In that regard, he intends to tramp the constituencies, meeting party activists and overseeing a recruitment drive. He promises no quick fix, emphasising the need for long-term planning and deciding on where we wish to be as a society in 15 or 20 years. But he doesn't have the luxury of time. The local elections are due to be held in 19 months and, inevitably, the quality of party performance on that occasion will be reflected by the following general election.
The age profile of delegates at the conference was surprisingly young, given the maturity of the party's front-bench Dáil members. It reflected a determination by the leader to bring the concerns of youth centre stage and to involve them directly in policy formation. Responding effectively to global warming may become the defining challenge of the age, as Mr Gilmore suggested. But day-to-day issues touching on dishonesty in Irish life, effective leadership and the distribution of wealth will continue to shape politics.
The task of rebuilding and re-branding the Labour Party will not be easy, even though opinion polls have indicated an increase in public support. A change of leadership, along with a commitment to a go-it-alone strategy, encouraged the conference to look forward, rather than back, and recriminations were kept to a minimum. Lively debate helped to dispel a miasma arising from a poor general election. And there was a reaffirmation of core values. In spite of that, the impression lingered of a party uncertain of success that is seeking a clear political direction and distinctive policies that will reconnect with voters.