Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

As Labour leader, I know that if a conservative coalition comes about, there is a real risk that economic policy will veer to the right and further social progress will be limited, if it is perceived at all. Labour will apply pressure for further economic and social progress by providing principled, responsible opposition. When we went into government in 2011, we put the country first and I have no regret about that, despite the losses we incurred. I am proud of the work undertaken by my colleagues and my party and as we rebuild from the opposition benches, we will continue to fight for a recovery that works for all and puts equality at the centre of everything that this republic stands for.

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