Burton: Gilmore move ‘might benefit Labour’

Labour’s popularity might improve if party leader Eamon Gilmore held a different ministerial post, deputy leader Joan Burton has said.

Asked about criticisms that the Tánaiste’s regular absences with his duties as foreign affairs minister mean he has not been in touch as he should be, the social protection minister said she did not agree. But, in the context of another opinion poll drop in support for Labour, she conceded that a change in any upcoming Cabinet reshuffle might be helpful.

“Well, I think people in the Labour Party have made it clear over a lengthy period of time that they would very much appreciate if Eamon were able to work full-time in a ministry at home,” she said, while canvassing with local election candidates in Cork. “I think he has indicated through some of his spokespeople that that’s his interest as well. So, certainly, that would be, I think, very positive if it were to happen.”

The Tánaiste last night fuelled speculation that he will be moved to a domestic ministry in a Cabinet reshuffle later this year.

Asked on RTÉ News last night if his visit with the President to Britain would be his last trip as foreign minister, he said: “You never know, I don’t think any of us are wedded to any particular post.”

As party director for local and European elections, Ms Burton said the poor showing in the polls was undoubtedly a consequence of controversies in the justice arena, with both her party and Fine Gael feeling the impact. The results in a weekend paper showed Labour down 1% to 8% and FG dropping 5% to the same 25% position as Fianna Fáil.

“I think the poll does reflect the issues that have arisen as a consequence of the difficulties in the Department of Justice,” Ms Burton said. “And I believe as the Government sets out clearly how those matters will be resolved, I think people will be far more satisfied as a consequence of that, but also with the fact that employment and people going back to work is significantly improving.”

Ms Burton said the strong service records of Labour candidates, in Cork and nationally, of working hard in their communities will lead to far better outcomes than some polls suggest. She said the incident reported to gardaí by Labour MEP and European election candidate Phil Prendergast of being spat in the eye last week was entirely untypical of Cork or Ireland.

“The individual obviously chose to do that, it’s wrong, it’s uncalled for and it certainly doesn’t help political debate in this country.”

Ms Prendergast said in Cork yesterday that she was walking on Turner’s Cross Road last Wednesday evening on her way to a removal when a man in his late 30s or early 40s said ‘Labour scum’ and spat at her. She said she had a blood test on Friday, because it went into her eye, and has had very good support from gardaí who hope there may be CCTV footage from the area to help the investigation.