Pressure on Rabbitte to give way on pylons

Pressure is growing on Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte to compromise on the electricity pylons issue after fears were expressed that dozens of Labour council seats in next May’s local election could be lost if the overland pylons go ahead.

Mr Rabbitte told a packed private meeting in Killarney that he would do “everything in his power” to avoid damaging the prospects of Labour candidates in the elections.

There was standing room only at the showdown, which was attended by more than 100 mostly councillors with some TDs and senators present.