Could SocDems and Labour merge to form SDLP in the south?

For what it's worth, a merger between Labour and the SocDems really isn't on the cards in the way some to think it is. For Labour it's a matter of pride, for SocDems it's a matter of ambition. Labour will not go in as equal partners with what are seen as young upstarts and some would be uneasy with elements within the SocDem party structures. Likewise, the SocDems see themselves as replacing Labour anyway, thus there's no point taking on this toxic brand. Likewise, I'm sure many fear the Labour old guard.

The other issue with is the matter of ego. This would derail any negotiations for the next five years at least. My own belief is that Labour should end up coming out on top - as the party is probably less vulnerable to a further Sinn Féin - SocDem members have said much the same to me. With a savvier SF campaign in the next election some SocDem TDs could be wiped out, but additionally it will prevent them gaining additional seats. While Labour is currently in the doldrums, even a slight resurgence in targeted areas against Green/ Fianna Fáil weaknesses could deliver additional seats. Medium term I see a tit for tat, with a combined seat count of under 15 between the two parties for the next election cycle or two before the parties either collapse or merge.

GoneHome wrote: »

Do you know I'm very tempted to vote Labour the next time out, even though I'm in a rural area from a farming backround which wouldn't be their general base I must say I'm quite impressed with Alan Kelly, an option to consider indeed

There was a traditional Labour vote in rural Ireland because there was a rural labouring class. it has declined due to industrialisation of agriculture.

Pronto63 wrote: »

Do party leaders get an extra allowance?
If so what is the definition of a party?
How many TDs?

Just asking.

Not being cynical.

Not in the slightest!!

A parliamentary activities allowance is paid in respect of a registered political party that has contested the last election and that has got any members elected. It can be used to pay expenses incurred in connection with the party's activities - e.g. in connection with party admistration, research, training, policy development - and the expenses have to be vouched and audited. It cannot be used to pay election expenses. The amount depends on the number of members the party has had elected - so much per TD, so much per Senator. Parties in opposition get a larger per-member allowance than parties in government, on the basis (I think) that they don't have civil service support in policy formation.

Independent members can get a similar allowance. The party allowances are aggregated and paid to the party leader, but each independent member gets his own allowance.

The party could choose to spend part of the allowance in giving the party leader an uplift to his salary, to reflect the additional work he has to do as party leader - that's up to the party. If they do, it's taxable income in the hands of the party leader. Whether any party does this, I don't know.