Gilmore told to hold ‘showdown’ conference soon

Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore has been put on notice that a “showdown” conference must be held as soon as possible to avert a meltdown within Labour.

Rebel party chairman Colm Keaveney demanded the delayed delegate gathering be held in July, or September at the latest — just weeks before the next budget in early October.

The conference, which is certain to become a lightning-rod moment for Mr Gilmore’s future after Labour’s humiliation in the Meath East by-election, has already been put back once, and the leadership recently blocked moves to set a firm replacement date.