No personality clash with Rabbitte

Tánaiste Joan Burton has hit back at angry claims by Pat Rabbitte that she fired him because of a personality clash between the two.

Ms Burton did not contradict the former Labour leader’s revelation that she dismissed him in a 20-second encounter, but the Tánaiste brushed aside Mr Rabbitte’s complaint that he had been dumped from Cabinet because of his age and “chemistry” issues.

“That’s what Pat said, but I have to say that Pat has always been the perfect gentleman with me. I had to make room for new people who I believe will be very positive,” Ms Burton told RTÉ.