Not many chose Labour in the last Irish election. Pat Rabbitte, having failed as leader of the party, has stepped down to let someone else figure out how to market the Labour Party.
While he's not seeking the post, Ruairi Quinn has found a way to position Labour. When the electorate thinks of Labour, they will think of holidays. Labour, the party of not working. Vote Labour and take a day off.
Research has shown that Ireland is second in productivity, behind the 'we never take a vacation' United States, and Mr. Quinn would like to introduce legislation that would reward the hard working Irish people with a couple of extra holidays. They've earned it, haven't they, with all their concentrated efforts to get productivity up there? And don't people always say they'd like an extra few days away from the office? With pay, of course.
Less work would be in the European mold, which of course is not anywhere near as productive as the States, but Mr. Quinn does not realize that higher productivity comes at the cost of fewer holidays. The more anyone works for the same rate of pay, the more productive their labor is. Give the Irish less hours, at the same rate of pay, and productivity will slide. It's only mathematics, after all, a statistical indicator and not a guide to worker satisfaction.
Labour wants you to live a rewarding life, fulfilled and happy. It's not all about working, about labor and brisk economic growth, is it? Vote Labour and spend more time with the family -- having picnics, attending festivals, on the go with all the kids from dawn until sundown. Working mothers across the land will support Fianna Fail in record numbers.
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