Why didnt labour emerge as a serious force to challenge irish nationalism and unionism?
In political terms, Labour (Socialist) cannot really oppose those forces within Irish politics who seek a united Ireland and one where the North of Ireland is no longer a British colony. Labour has had to live by double standards for many years. However, it was Labour (seen more favourably by the left in Ireland) who managed, with the great help of the late Dr Mo Mowlam MP to broker a deal for peace – the Peace Process etc. AT A time when there are such high levels of cynicism about politicians it is difficult to appreciate the extraordinary public appeal of Mo Mowlam, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland from 1997 to 1999. She regularly topped surveys of popular politicians, and her empathy, frankness and irreverence endeared her across the ranks of the Labour Party and beyond. When the Prime Minister Tony Blair addressed his party’s conference in September 1998 and spoke of ” our one and only Mo” he was interrupted as delegates gave her a standing ovation.
