Labour split intensifies as party election probe sought

The bitter split in Labour ranks intensified as an independent probe into how internal elections were organised was demanded.

Dublin councillor Steve Wrenn has called for an outside arbitrator to be brought in to examine what went on in the run-up to Colm Keaveney being elected to the post last April after claims of “dirty tricks” to try and obstruct him.

Mr Wrenn said the matter needed to be dealt with speedily for the sake of the party. “I am very concerned about this talk of dirty tricks. We may not have always made the right decisions, especially lately, but we have never been involved in any form of corruption.

“We need someone from outside to come in and investigate so we can put these claims of dirty tricks to bed, or air them in public.

“Someone impartial such as a retired arbitrator would be able to deal with this,” said the councillor who is writing to Labour leader Eamon Gilmore with the request.

Labour would not comment on the matter, but Mr Keaveney backed the move. “There are outstanding allegations about the conduct of proceedings during the chairmanship election which need to be addressed.

“There is a whole catalogue of issues and allegations that must be examined,” the Galway East TD said, as he warned the leadership was preparing to “court-martial” him.

The rebel TD has vowed to dig in and fight any bid to oust him from the chairmanship, despite Labour top brass insisting the current situation is untenable.

Sources close to Mr Keaveney, who was expelled from the parliamentary party group after voting against budget cuts, believe the matter will end in the courts.

Mr Keaveney insists he should remain party chairman as he was elected by the membership, not appointed by the leadership.

Mr Gilmore is believed to be examining all options in order to end the stand-off, which highlights deep divisions within Labour over the performance and direction of the party within the coalition.

Mr Keaveney said he would resist any attempts at “court-martial” and claimed he had been attempting mediation with the leadership for several months.

The Labour leadership insists the chairmanship elections were conducted properly.