THE big question facing the Labour Party is when to stop telling lies. When to come out and tell the people that we are a small capitalist economy plugged into the international capitalist economy which gives us a high standard of living but sometimes forces us to keep commitments to international agencies, such as the EU, with whom we sometimes disagree.

Outgoing Labour leader Eamon Gilmore has insisted the Coalition will not be plunged into instability as a result of his resignation as Labour leader. He urged his successor to keep the party in Government until the end of its mandate in 2016.

"The senior people get the senior positions. It’s the nature of politics," Labour’s chief whip, Emmet Stagg, mused on RTÉ radio the night of his party leader’s resignation. "The younger generation have to serve their time."

Joan Burton is expected to declare her bid for the Labour leadership today as parliamentary party members meet and discuss the party’s dismal election results and the shock resignation of Eamon Gilmore.

Whoever it is, Labour’s 11th leader must unite and rejuvenate the party for the next general election, writes Juno McEnroe.

Former accountant Joan Burton wants to make Labour the voice of Ireland, but has no room to manoeuvre, says Political Correspondent Shaun Connolly.