Gilmore vows action against party rebels

Embattled Labour leader Eamon Gilmore has vowed to move against party rebels after he suffered another blow to his authority.

Limerick senator James Heffernan defied the leadership and voted against cuts to child benefit and respite carers allowance, but the controversial budget measures passed the Seanad.

Faced with open defiance on several fronts after five TDs including Labour chairman Colm Keaveney have lost the party whip after voting against the Government in the past 12 months, Mr Gilmore told TDs he would take action in the new year.