Battle for senior Labour posts could turn ugly

The Battle for Labour’s top two posts was becoming bitter last night as Joan Burton faced a challenger in the tussle for the party crown.

With junior health minister Alex White poised to confirm his candidacy for the top job in a statement at 11am today, the scrap for the position of deputy leader last night threatened to turn ugly.

A swirl of activity saw three contenders for the role break into the open yesterday as junior science minister Sean Sherlock reversed his previous decision not to run and announced he was standing against fellow Cork TD Michael McCarthy and Tipperary North deputy and junior transport minister Alan Kelly.

The geographic cluster of the contenders’ origins saw the battle dubbed ‘the Munster Mash’ and it is proving more aggressive than the tussle for the top spot in the party.

Opponents accused Mr Kelly of “keeping his head down” at the Department of Transport and “not coming out to bat for the party” when it hit trouble.

While critics branded Mr Sherlock “indecisive” over the way he had “flip-flopped” on running for the post, one TD also dismissed Mr McCarthy as a lightweight”.

The expected entry of Mr White into the race prompted supporters of Ms Burton to raise questions over his role in the plot by seven backbenchers and one senator to move against a politically wounded Eamon Gilmore last Monday.

Mr White, who tried to distance himself from the medical card controversy in which he has played a central role by announcing a Cabinet sub-committee decision to abandon the review of the system, had denied he was manoeuvring to challenge Mr Gilmore, before news of the Tánaiste’s resignation emerged.

Mr White is believed to be backed by ministers who fear Ms Burton could damage the Coalition and provoke an early general election.

Mr Sherlock defended his change of mind, insisting Labour needed to “renew its vows” with the Irish people.

The Cork East TD said party members had urged a rethink: “We are the oldest party in the State and we are not going anywhere but we do need to renew our vows with the Irish people through this recovery process and I believe I have the energy, youth and experience to assist in that process.”

Rival for the deputy leadership Mr Kelly denied he was part of an unofficial “dream team” ticket with Ms Burton, but insisted she would make a “fantastic” leader.

“In the next budget we need to refocus on these struggling families that face financial hardship,” said Mr Kelly.

“That should be the key focus of the Labour Party.”

Cork South West TD Mr McCarthy said that he was aiming his pitch at the 5,000 grass roots members who decide the leadership, rather than concentrating on Leinster House politics.

The TD, who chairs the Oireachtas environment committee, said Labour needed to “revaluate the old and embrace the new”.

Mr Kelly appeared to have the early edge as he was backed by veteran Labour TD Willie Penrose and deputy Ann Phelan, who nominated Ms Burton for leader.

Arthur Spring and Dominic Hannigan say they are still considering whether to run or not before nominations close next Tuesday.