Amid questions of a Labour-SocDem merger, Ivana Bacik wonders why the same question isn’t asked of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil. 

According to the latest Ireland Thinks/Sunday Independent poll, support for the Labour Party has dropped one point to 3%. 

Meanwhile, the Social Democrats polled at 5% support and Holly Cairns remains among the most popular political leaders in Ireland. 

When asked in an interview this week about a merger with the SocDems, Labour Leader Ivana Bacik said “everything is possible in politics”. 

Speaking on The Anton Savage Show today, however, Ms Bacik said it is “somewhat frustrating” to be “constantly asked” about a merger. 

“There's been a good deal of speculation this week and it’s somewhat frustrating for me as leader to be constantly asked this. 

“’Why don’t you merge, there’s no ideological difference’ - my response is why don’t you ask Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil the same? 

“There's no ideological difference between them – they've been in Government together or propping each other up now for eight years. 

“A merger there would make so much more sense than a merger of any other party.” 

Candidates focus for Bacik

When asked whether she will negotiate or discuss a merger in the next few months, Ms Bacik said she is focused on her own party in the year ahead. 

“My agenda for the next year, because we know the general election could be any time this year, and my focus will remain on ensuring support for our candidates and building a strong team,” she said. 

“Labour is the oldest party in the State – we have an evergreen message. 

“For us, the focus has to remain on ensuring we can build and develop support for our candidates across the country.” 

Ms Bacik said, however, she is indeed in dialogue with “leaders of all parties on a regular basis”. 

“I believe in a constructive and collaborative process,” she said. “We don't want to sit on the sidelines.” 

Approval ratings for Ms Bacik remain unchanged at 30%, according to the latest polls. 

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Main image: Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik speaking to delegates at the 2023 Labour Party Conference in Cork city. Picture by: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie