TDs want Gilmore to give up foreign affairs

Labour TDs want to see leader Eamon Gilmore give up foreign affairs and “spend more time in Ireland”, a Cabinet colleague has warned as the pre-budget war of words within the Coalition intensified.

Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte acknowledged that many backbenchers believe the Tánaiste should swap his foreign affairs role for a domestic post after the party slumped to 6% in an opinion poll.

Mr Rabbitte warned that, despite the tax and cuts package in next week’s budget coming in at less than the previously expected target of €3.1bn, it will still be rough going.