Gilmore thanks TDs who had 'courage' to vote for social welfare bill

The Tánaiste and the Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore has issued a statement this evening thanking all of the Labour TDs who he says had the "courage" to vote with the Government today and help implement the social welfare bill.

Eamon Gilmore's comments come after the Galway TD Colm Keaveney was expelled today from the Labour Parliamentary Party after voting against the controversial bill, which gives effect to cuts to child benefit and the carers' respite grant, as announced in the budget.

He said he took the decision with a heavy heart, because of his opposition to cuts which will affect women and children.

Opposition parties say the move by Colm Keaveney leaves the Government in disarray.