Labour braced for rout as Sinn Féin turn tide

The Labour Party is bracing itself for a weekend of tough questions as counting gets under way for the local and European elections, which are expected to mark a major breakthrough for Sinn Féin and a shift towards anti-austerity candidates.

A backlash against Government parties and a rejection of troika-imposed cuts, including water charges and the property tax, are expected to see an increase in support for left-wing Independents and smaller parties.

Indications to date are that Labour could be left without an MEP on Monday morning, and with significantly reduced representation at local council level.