Howlin says Burton not licensed to ‘go rogue’

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

The Public Sector Reform Minister dismissed claims there is a leadership ploy to allow Ms Burton to say things that might annoy Fine Gael but would chime well with Labour voters. “I don’t accept that, we operate as a team with one agenda,” Mr Howlin said.

Ms Burton has appeared to break ranks in recent months with outspoken remarks linking a yes vote in the looming EU referendum with an ECB deal on banking debts, and taking a strong line on ministerial contact with people against whom tribunals have found negatively.