Gilmore rallies the troops but massive challenges ahead

Eamon Gilmore’s speech to his parliamentary party sought to bridge a widening gap within the coalition, while at the same time asking disgruntled Labour members to put on the green jersey.

Reminding TDs and senators of where Labour had come since taking power 18 months ago, the Tánaiste left no doubt that there was more to do and a cohesive, determined approach was demanded by party members to fix the economy.

Party TDs were in a buoyant mood at the Kildare meeting. But a plethora of issues lie ahead for the party, including the children’s rights referendum, the debate on Croke Park, meeting bailout demands, reforms in social welfare and education and, of course, the budget.