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.