Fine Gael TD doubts Labour’s 30-seat claim

THE first cracks in the rainbow parties’ election strategy emerged last night as a Fine Gael TD questioned Labour’s claim it could take 30 seats.

Waterford Deputy John Deasy predicted Labour would only make two gains nationally, taking its tally to 23 in the next Dáil.

The comments will anger Labour strategists who have been working closely with FG high command to talk up both parties’ “battleground” gains at the looming general election.