Labour TD calls on rebels to return to party

A Labour TD is calling on all Labour rebels who have left the parliamentary party to come back and show a united front.

It follows the resignation earlier this month of MEP Nessa Childers from the Parliamentary Labour Party, as well as poor results in the Meath East by-election and in recent opinion polls.

Labour TD for Dublin mid West, Robert Dowds, denies the party is on a downward spiral, and said the party is stronger if they pull together.

He said: "Each of them left for a somewhat different reason but I am just saying that I would prefer if they were in our tent.

"They share the same aims as most of the Labour TDs and it would strengthen our hand if they were there and that is why I would be keen for them to come back."