The future of the left in Irish politics

January 20, 2011 -- RTE, Today with Pat Kenny -- A new political alliance was born in Ireland just before Christmas. It is the United Left Alliance. It’s an umbrella group of left-wing parties and individuals who have joined forces to fight the March 11, 2011, general election.

The grouping consists of three existing political parties: the Socialist Party, the People Before Profit Alliance and the Workers and Unemployed Action Group. However the Labour Party and Sinn Fein are not members.

So what constitutes a left-wing party in Ireland today? Joining me in studio to discuss that question are Pat Rabbitte of the Labour Party, Mary Lou Mc Donald of Sinn Fein, Joe Higgins MEP and leader of the Socialist Party and Richard Boyd Barrett of People Before Profit. Also joining us in studio to cast a cold eye on all their plans is Jim Power, economist from Friends First.