Labour blames ‘misunderstanding’ for senators’ absence in Seanad vote

An embarrassing defeat for the Government in the Seanad has been blamed on a “misunderstanding” after four Labour senators failed to turn up for a vote on proposed changes to upward only rents.

The bizarre explanation comes after ministers closed ranks around the leadership yesterday following a difficult week for Labour.

Labour senators have told the Irish Examiner it was agreed they could miss Wednesday night’s vote, the Government’s first major defeat in the Seanad. This was denied by the party’s Seanad whip.