Labour backbencher: Govt should have intervened in Shortall row

A Labour backbencher has waded into the row over the resignation of Roisin Shortall by saying she was not properly supported by the Tanaiste or Taoiseach.

Joanna Tuffy has said Deputy Shortall's resignation is a "blow" to her party and said the former Junior Minister was "hindered" by Dr James Reilly when she tried to implement Government policy.

The Labour TD for Dublin Mid West said Eamon Gilmore or Enda Kenny should have done more.

Ms Tuffy said: "I think it was for the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach to have intervened more strongly in this.

"I think they possibly didn't anticipate the way it has turned. I can understand there were other things going on, but I do feel that there was a need for more intervention because it was a Government issue and it was very important, there is no doubt about that."