Support for Catherine Connolly weaker among Labour Party members, admits Ivana Bacik

The opening press conference at the party's think-in was dominated by Alan Kelly’s interview on Tipp FM last week, during which he spoke against Ms Connolly’s presidential campaign

Several Labour Party sources told the 'Irish Examiner' that there was unhappiness amongst some in the party with Catherine Connolly’s performance during media interviews.

Just 58% of Labour Party members who took part in a survey wanted their party to back Catherine Connolly in the presidential election.

As Ivana Bacik denied that Alan Kelly’s public outburst against Ms Connolly’s candidacy undermined her leadership, she refused to confirm whether she threatened to pull the Labour Party think-in from his constituency if he did not row back on the comments. The party is meeting in Nenagh on Thursday and Friday.