LABOUR was cock-a-hoop this week. Leader Dick Spring may not have gone canvassing across the water, as he did with little effect in 1992, but Tony Blair's win has given the party the boost it believes is just the thing for next month's contest here. What's more, Blair's advisers have been over to see Dick's advisers several times in the last couple of months. As their victory seemed assured they realised neither they nor the front bench knew anything about government. The Blairites consequently sought advice from their pals in Dublin on the system of governance, programme managers and dealing with the civil service. They returned most impressed and it is hoped friendship will continue and flourish.
So confident were our Labour that it threw a party in Lansdowne Road on Thursday night "to toast the end of 18 years of Tory rule and the victory of our sister Labour Party in the UK. Party members and guests can watch the results as they come in and witness the Tory seats tumble." Quidnunc is reminded that for the 1992 British general election several such parties were organised by various groups to celebrate Neil Kinnock's victory.