Labour TD warns of voting pact ‘stampede’

A leading Labour backbencher has warned Tánaiste Joan Burton the party must not be “stampeded” into a pre-election voting pact with Fine Gael and that grassroots members need to be given their say on the deal.

Dublin Central TD Joe Costello made the comments in a damning statement responding to claims by senior Government ministers the agreement is already in place and is in the best interests of both parties.

Reacting to the claims last night, the long-standing TD said any pre-election voting pact with Fine Gael is “fraught with danger” for Labour and that the party must not be “stampeded” into a deal without first discussing its implications in depth.