Gilmore stands firm on leadership as subordinates continue to squabble

Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore insisted his leadership is not up for debate as he admitted Coalition confusion on water charges was hitting Labour candidates on the doorsteps.

Sharing a platform with rebel MEP Phil Prendergast, who has demanded his exit as Labour leader, Mr Gilmore insisted he would not allow discussion of his suitability to continue in the job after an expected Labour drubbing at the local and Euro polls on May 23.

However, junior minister Sean Sherlock branded Ms Prendergast’s comments as “silly” and said it was now difficult to take her candidacy seriously.