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.

Launching the party’s manifesto for the campaign, which has been thrown into turmoil by Ms Prendergast’s comments, Mr Gilmore said: “My leadership is not up for debate, or up for anything.”

However, Mr Gilmore conceded that coalition conflict over how to implement water charges was having a bad impact on Labour candidates.

In an upbeat speech, he attacked the culture of cronyism and corruption that used to dominate local government, especially regarding planning matters. He said he was proud that Labour had never been tainted with accusations of corruption.

Mr Gilmore attacked what he called the politics of extremism across Europe led by Nigel Farrage’s Ukip in Britain and the National Front in France.

Mr Gilmore said this type of aggressive attitude was seen when opponents attacked Labour candidates, as he urged left-wing TDs such as Joe Higgins and Richard Boyd Barrett to distance themselves from such tactics.

Ms Prendergast sparked uproar when she called for Mr Gilmore to be ousted before May 23 for Ms Burton to become leader.

The MEP said she stands over the remarks, but, after a “frank” discussion with Mr Gilmore, the Labour leader agreed to campaign with her.