Labour TDs and Senators hold 'constructive' party meeting

Labour's parliamentary party held a four-hour meeting in Dublin last night to discuss a range of issues.

The atmosphere was described afterwards as positive, with Dublin South-Central TD Michael Conaghan telling the Irish Times that they had "constructive and frank" debate.

Topics ranged from the local and European elections in two years time, to party organisation.

The controversy over the closure of Ireland's Vatican embassy is not believed to have been discussed.

"There was a very good review of Labour in government over a year, and a very good review of where we want to be over the next four years," said Dublin South-East TD Kevin Humphries.

"No problems," he added.