LABOUR LEADER IVANA Bacik this evening called upon the Irish and British governments to set a “clear timeline” for a referendum on Irish unity.

Following an impassioned speech by local TD Conor Sheehan, Bacik spoke at her party’s annual conference in Co Limerick this evening.

Addressing attendees, Bacik spoke at length about the left uniting behind Connolly’s presidential campaign and the successful result.

“Labour is a party of Connollyite Republicans,” Bacik said, “and as leader of a Republican party, I am calling now on the Irish and British governments to set a clear timeline for the holding of a unity referendum.”

She said the party know better than to rush a referendum, but said there was a need for a “clear timeframe” and “respectful and considered debate to start the process of preparation towards a united Ireland”.

“That’s why we need a dedicated government department – to carry out the necessary work of reconciliation and unity planning,” Bacik added.

Sinn Féin last year said in the run up to the general election that if it went into government, it would appoint a minister for reunification.

Bacik, who today spoke about the “clear idelogical differences” between Labour and Sinn Féin, said Labour’s goal is to build a 32 county republic “including our new Irish, who have chosen to make Ireland their home”.

“An Ireland for all. Because our flag belongs to everyone,” she told her party members, before condemning the “outright the ugly politics of racism, the hideous protests and attacks against IPAS centres”.

She said Labour would continue to “build towards our crucial goal”: a left-led government – something she quipped sounded hard to believe, but so did Ireland’s Thursday win over Portugal.

Sasko Lazarov Sasko Lazarov

“Of course, friends, there is one electoral contest facing us early next year,” she said, “a by-election in Galway West.

“To be clear: Labour will be contesting the by-election, campaigning on our vision for change.”

Local councillor Helen Ogbu will be contesting the by-election on behalf of the party.

Bacik said the election, which must take place within six months of the vacating of a seat, will take place at a “very challenging time”, referencing the threat of tariffs from the US and rising bills after the wintertime.

Sinn Féin, whose candidate in the constituency topped the poll in last year’s general election, has said it plans on running a candidate in the by-election, as has Independent Ireland, whose councillor Noel Thomas was the final candidate to be knocked out of the race last year.

Ivana Bacik addressing party members in Limerick this evening. RTE Screengrab RTE Screengrab

Bacik also emphasised the growth of the party since its 2016 decimation. She affirmed Labour’s belief in left-wing politics.

Amongst several topics brought up were the need to constitutionally protect the Triple Lock, housing, racism, the war in Gaza, healthcare, cost of living, and climate.

Earlier today, and repeated in her speech this evening, Bacik called upon the Tánaiste to ensure the Occupied Territories Bill was passed by Christmas. The Bill was first proposed in 2018 and has undergone multiple changes over the years.

Bacik said: “We stand with the people of Palestine – as we have always done. We must have a lasting ceasefire, an end to Israel’s genocide on Gaza. We must pass the Occupied Territories Bill – on trade in goods and, crucially, in services.”