Rebellious Labour TDs form Dáil group

Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore has been dealt a fresh blow as a breakaway group of “Real Labour” rebel TDs are set for a bigger role in the Dáil.

After a meeting with the ceann comhairle this week, four TDs who gave up Labour’s whip in anger at the direction the party has taken under Mr Gilmore expect more speaking time to oppose Government policy.

The move by ex-minister Róisín Shortall, Colm Keaveney, Patrick Nulty, and Tommy Broughan is bound to act as a lightening strike focal point for renewed criticism of Mr Gilmore’s leadership.