LABOUR CONFERENCE: ‘The people want’ two weeks’ paid paternity leave

Same-sex couples could benefit after Labour vowed to introduce two weeks’ paid paternity leave for fathers this year.

Equality Minister Aodhán Ó Ríordáin made the prediction as the party outlined €250m in family measures to woo election support.

However, it is likely all of the promises will depend on Labour winning an unresolved internal government battle with Fine Gael over whether to spend an estimated €3bn from the sale of AIB shares next year on social projects or writing down the national debt.