I take your point but he is the leader and it does look like there was a reverse take over of the Labour party by Democratic Left. I have a great deal of respect for some of the Labour party front bench but I don't like the way that the former DL members seem to have a strangle hold on the party. I also disagree with what Labour see as the root cause of so-called rip off's. For example their web site emphasises the dividend that the government takes from the ESB and Bord Gais as a major cause of high energy prices. They do not mention that the average wage in the ESB is over €75'000 a year. They do not suggest that these companies should be better run. Instead they suggest that the shareholder (the people of Ireland) should not take a dividend from their own company! To me this is indicative of their wrong headed view of how the economic problems we face should be sorted out.While I wouldn't disagree with your sentiment, it is worth pointing out that Pat is not a one-man show. He is the leader, no more, no less. He does not make policy off his own bat. And (I presume) the same applies for each of the other leaders.
I agree 100% but I can't find any substantive policies on their web site. Their entire policy statement on primary care is Transforming our health service into a fair, efficient and responsive service is a major objective for the Labour Party.Maybe it's time to start voting on policies, not personalities.
I can understand your annoyance, and it doesn't sound like he handled the situation very well. However, in practical terms, there is just no way that every canvasser is going to be up to date on every aspect of party policy. It's just too much information for those who are not full-time politicians. Usually when I get asked something that I'm not sure about, I'll just let them know straight off, and (if possible) get the candidate onto the doorstep quickly.
I would suggest that you don't base your vote on what happened on your doorstep either way.