Labour’s newest TD has warned the party leadership to take the rebellion of backbench colleague Tommy Broughan very seriously.

A rebel Labour backbencher has become the third Government TD kicked out of the coalition after he refused to support the bank guarantee and called on the party to return to opposition.

A Labour backbencher has become the third TD to rebel against the coalition after the Government moved to extend the bank guarantee scheme.

SO, Minister of State for Housing Willie Penrose felt he had no option other than resign from government because of proposals to close Columb Barracks in Mullingar.

SALES of former military barracks which were shut down over the past 12 years have netted the Government almost €85 million, but property experts claim they will be lucky to find any buyers for four Defence Forces sites due to be closed soon.

THE Department of Defence said it will proceed with the sale of Columb Barracks in Mullingar next March despite claims it cannot be sold because it’s a listed building.

When Willie Penrose promised to try to keep Columb Barracks open in Mullingar, he was making an individual promise to his constituents.

The Jobs and Enterprise Minister Richard Bruton has said the Government is united in making tough decisions, despite the resignation of Labour's Willie Penrose.

IRISH politicians seldom resign. So, Willie Penrose TD will be applauded up and down the country for having the courage of his convictions to step down as Minister of State for Housing over the Government decision to close Columb Barracks in Mullingar.

WILLIE Penrose disputed figures provided by the Taoiseach on the cost savings associated with the closure of Columb Barracks, saying the numbers “don’t stand up”.

The Communications and Energy Minister Pat Rabbitte has said he would feel "very badly" if his colleague Willie Penrose decides to resign.

It is suspected that Labour Minister Willie Penrose will resign this morning over the Goverment's decision to close Columb Barracks in Mullingar.

CAMPAIGNERS fighting for the future of army barracks in Clonmel, Mullingar and Cavan may join together in a bid to prevent the Government from implementing any closures.

THE head of the Department of Defence outlined savings of millions of euro and ambitions to strengthen peacekeeping missions abroad through the closure of army barracks.

CLOSING an army barracks will save the state at most €200,000 — but will deprive local economies of up to €8 million, according to the association representing soldiers, sailors and aircrew.

Newly released State papers shed little light on the famous ‘thundering disgrace’ row writes Caroline O’Doherty.