Joan Burton says Labour brings balance to Fine Gael in coalition

Tánaiste Joan Burton has said her party is needed to bring “balance and focus” to government. 

It follows comments made by her Labour colleague Brendan Howlin who warned a Fine Gael government would introduce Tory-style changes to legislation if left without the watch of Labour.

Reacting, Ms Burton admitted that both parties “have different traditions and backgrounds” adding that Labour has a “unique input” in government which brings a balance to how the benefits of the recovery are shared out.