The chairman of Labour's Parliamentary Party has described today's meeting to discuss their disappointing election performance as "thoughtful and reflective". Willie Penrose said it was the beginning of a long-term process which would involve Labour's General Council
Roisin Shortall had earlier said it had been a mistake not to rule out coalition with Fianna Fáil during the election campaign. The Dublin North West TD said voters felt the party did not represent a clear alternative.
Mr Penrose insisted Labour's annual conference had backed an independent election platform. He said that delegates had supported that stance.
The party leadership accepts it had a bad election result, and that it needs to sharpen its focus across a range of issues.
Senior sources have rejected calls for a more open style of leadership by Ruairí Quinn. They say that such calls have been common since even Dick Spring's leadership. The party's review of electoral performance will continue next week.
