Joan Burton not concerned with her challengers

Tánaiste Joan Burton has insisted she plans to remain as Labour party leader after the general election despite growing pressure from a number of senior TDs who are vying to replace her.

Ms Burton made the comments as she said she has a “very positive relationship” with her own deputy leader Alan Kelly — but side-stepped questions on whether he is more loyal than she was to her predecessor Eamon Gilmore.

Speaking to reporters as part of a wide-ranging Christmas interview, Ms Burton said despite ongoing interest in whether she will continue if Labour suffers a general election crash, she is confident of remaining in charge.