Labour party faithful support stance on coalition

Labour TDs and senators have given their support to Brendan Howlin’s insistence that the party should speak to “everybody” about post-election coalition, saying even Sinn Féin cannot be ruled out.

TDs Seán Sherlock and Jan O’Sullivan, and senators Aodhán Ó Ríordáin and Ged Nash supported their party leader’s view last night, but admitted the move poses risks to the party.

In a detailed interview in yesterday’s Irish Examiner before the start of Labour’s annual conference in Wexford this weekend, Mr Howlin said he wants to speak with “everybody” after the next election.