John Kelly: Younger party members should take over.

The Labour senator calling for Eamon Gilmore to be replaced as party leader has said any move to oust the Tánaiste should take place if there is a further drop in support for the party.

Rebel party senator John Kelly also said that ordinary members were openly comparing the fate of Labour to that of the Green Party, whose electoral support collapsed after the last coalition government.

Mr Kelly’s comments came as ministers refused to speculate on doubts about Mr Gilmore’s leadership and the party’s direction.