Gilmore faces rebellion by senators

Eamon Gilmore faces rebellion in Labour over child benefit cuts and a backlash against “bullyboy” tactics.

As Budget 2013 continues to rock the Coalition, the Tánaiste denied that senior ministers were reduced to “squabbling” at the Cabinet table over the Government’s stance on March’s €3.1bn bill on the Anglo debts.

Despite an appeal for party unity after the walk-out by party chairman Colm Keaveney, rebel senators railed against “strong-arm” tactics by the leadership as they threatened to vote against cuts to child benefit.