Labour responsible for ‘real recovery’

Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore has insisted his leadership will not be “on the line” if Labour slumps below 10% in the looming Europe and local elections.

Addressing fears the party is facing severe losses in the twin tests of national opinion in May, Mr Gilmore pointed out Labour was defending a much lower base of 14% in the contests last fought in 2009, than its record 19.4% showing in the general election.

However, some at the party’s national conference expressed concern Labour’s strategy of signalling property tax reductions of up to 15% and further tax breaks for “squeezed families” after the national polls could backfire.