Labour drubbing will be chance to ‘reflect’

Labour will have an "opportunity to reflect" after this week’s local and European elections, according to deputy leader Joan Burton, as the party prepares for a drubbing by disenchanted voters who are turning to Sinn Féin and a mostly left-wing group of Independents.

Leader Eamon Gilmore, however, insisted his job will not come into question after votes are counted next weekend, ruling out the possibility of a debate within the party on his leadership.

The two were launching a policy strategy — or “seven-point plan” — for Dublin yesterday, aimed at boosting support for MEP Emer Costello, who faces an uphill struggle to retain her seat.