Former Labour deputy backs Burton

Former Labour deputy leader Barry Desmond has backed Joan Burton to head the party, while also saying the Coalition needs to survive its full term.

Restoring support for Labour would require reforms of the Universal Social Charge as well as the health sector, said Mr Desmond, who also warned the next party leader not to make “fantasy” promises to voters.

In an interview with the Irish Examiner, the former minister said Labour — despite its dismal local election results — was still in a position to contest every area in the next general election.