Labour senators in revolt over abolition plans

Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore was facing an open revolt by Labour senators over plans to abolish the upper house as he launched the party’s referendum campaign yesterday.

Two Labour senators joined forces with ex-Fianna Fáil minister Mary O’Rourke to urge voters to save the upper house, as Mr Gilmore tried to play down the breach of party discipline.

Senator John Whelan accused the Government of attempting to grab more power for itself via abolition.