Labour Highlight 'Long-Standing Internationalist Values'

Labour Party Brendan Howlin has marked Labour Day, 01 May, by restating his party's "long-standing internationalist values".

Brendan Howlin TD pledged to support the future Irish-British relationship, through links with the British Labour Party, whether inside or outside of the European Union.

Brendan said: "The Labour Party is the oldest political party continuously active in Ireland, and we have long had a good working relationship with our sister party, the UK Labour Party, which will remain a valued member of the Party of European Socialists. We send fraternal delegates to the British Labour Conference every year.

"Brexit has divided the British people and has caused divisions within the UK Labour Party. Any form of Brexit will be damaging to the Irish economy, but we will not allow Brexit to damage the bonds of friendship and solidarity between our two labour movements. Our preference was always for the UK to stay in the EU, but we hold out a hand of friendship to those of our Labour comrades who voted Leave.

"The Irish Labour Party's European Manifesto, to be launched today, pledges to uphold the rights of British people living in Ireland post-Brexit. We will also use our influence within the European Union to support any initiative from a future British government to re-join.

"We will seek to ensure European funding continues to be available to support peace, regional development and better community relations in Northern Ireland.

"With the local elections in Britain happening tomorrow, I would call on all Irish people living in Britain to give Labour your vote.

"For Northern Ireland's local elections tomorrow, I hope people will support progressive candidates in the SDLP who share Labour's values.

"And I hope British citizens living in Ireland will consider supporting Irish Labour at our local and European elections on 24th May. British citizens are eligible to vote in Ireland, and have until 7th May to register."