Joan Burton to focus on low pay and social issues

New Tánaiste Joan Burton has signalled fighting for the low paid will be a key priority of her time as Labour leader.

Ms Burton, 65, was elected in a 77% landslide victory over challenger Alex White and used her first address as leader to warn that the party had ruled with “more head than heart” over the past three years.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny made Ms Burton Tánaiste during a telephone call between the two after the results were announced at a ceremony charged with emotion in Dublin’s Mansion House.