In a move that was not unexpected, Mr Howlin said that he would be instigating a leadership contest with immediate effect.

Labour parliamentary party chairman Jack Wall has said he is confident party TDs will vote in line with the Government today and oppose a Dáil motion on legislating for fatal foetal abnormalities.

Rebel Labour TD Colm Keaveney is expected to be removed as party chair over fears he will use his position to create further disunity and undermine party leader Eamon Gilmore.

Embattled Health Minister James Reilly has said he utterly rejects acting unethically amid revelations an associate of his owns a site controversially chosen for a new primary care centre.

Joan Burton does not have a licence to “go rogue” on controversial issues, Cabinet colleague Brendan Howlin has insisted.